The number of cases of COVID-19 in Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) remains at five this weekend.
All confirmed cases are in self-isolation and currently stable.
NNSWLHD is continuing to work closely with our staff, North Coast Primary Health Network, and local GPs, to ensure we have appropriate measures in place for an effective health response to COVID-19.
Testing for COVID-19 is continuing in facilities within NNSWLHD, including COVID-19 flu clinics which have been established at Lismore Base Hospital and The Tweed Hospital. We are considering opening an assessment clinic at Grafton Base Hospital later this week.
However, we stress these clinics are for those most at risk with respiratory symptoms or fever, those returning from overseas or in contact with a COVID-19 case, or people like our health workers. It is vital that these respiratory clinics are not overwhelmed with people who are not in the high risk groups, which could result in delays identifying those most vulnerable.
People without symptoms do not need to be tested.
The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, runny nose, or shortness of breath. Anyone with symptoms should isolate themselves from others.
Self Isolation
All overseas travellers are reminded that they must self-isolate for 14 days on return to Australia, even if you have no symptoms. This is to protect the vulnerable people in our communities from COVID-19. Please follow the home isolation guidance available on the NSW Health website.
NSW Health thanks the community for their cooperation and provision of comprehensive information to NSW Health to allow effective contact tracing.
Identification and isolation of contacts is a critical measure that limits the spread of COVID-19. Compliance with self-isolation by all contacts and returned travellers is essential.
Social Distancing
NSW Health is urging people to practice social distancing. When social distancing actions are combined with good personal hygiene measures the spread of an epidemic through the community can be slowed. This helps protect the most vulnerable members of the community. It also reduces the impact of the epidemic on essential, life-saving health services by reducing the size of the peak of the epidemic so health services can continue to provide high quality care to all patients. Everybody must play their part.
For information on social distancing see:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx#5-1
NSW Health also wants to remind the public about new regulations surrounding mass gatherings that can be found by visiting https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-events.aspx
NSW Health is continuing to trace and respond to cases as they are diagnosed to slow any spread of COVID-19 in the community. To help protect the community people are asked to:
- clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub
- cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow
- avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
- stay home if you are sick.
Earlier this week, the NSW Government announced $700 million extra funding for NSW Health. This will assist in doubling ICU capacity, preparing for additional COVID-19 testing, purchasing additional ventilators and medical equipment, establishing acute respiratory clinics and bringing forward elective surgeries to private hospitals.