Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) is supporting the Murrumbidgee Local Health Districts (MLHD) push for people who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 to come forward to be screened for testing.
Large-scale COVID-19 testing allows health services to quickly identify who has the disease and arrange for them to receive the care needed. Isolating known cases prevents them from coming into contact with others and slows the rate of transmission.
The screening criteria has been broadened to enable more people to be tested for the COVID-19.
MLHD are commending those people who have come forward to be tested and followed the requirements around self-isolation. It is the people who should be tested, who are not coming forward that they are most concerned about.
“Once people are identified as being COVID-19 positive, we undertake contact tracing to identify anyone that they may have come in contact with. People with COVID-19 can become very unwell quickly, and we need ensure people get the appropriate care so that they have the best chance of recovery,” MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said.
“We applaud those who had the courage to come forward for testing. They are doing the right thing and giving us an opportunity to help track the disease and provide the right care.” Ms Ludford added.
Slowing the rate of new infections reduces the peak of the disease, which can lower the overall number of cases.
“Not only is it concerning from a health perspective for those individuals who are symptomatic and have not sought testing, but they could be spreading the virus further.”
The criteria for testing has been broadened and MLHD invites anyone who believes they may have contracted the COVID-19 virus to call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099 for a confidential over the phone assessment (7.00 am – 9.00 pm).
GET SCREENED – PRIVACY ASSURED
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are, fever, sore throat, dry cough, shortness of breath
Symptoms will generally appear 3-4 days after exposure to the virus but can be up to 14 days later.
Members of the public are advised to minimise travel, increase personal awareness around hand hygiene and practice social distancing.
TIPS to reduce potential for virus transmission:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay home as much as possible
- Stop shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly
MLHD and MPHN encourage members of the public who need information to visit the NSW Health website here. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx
MLHD are trying to get as many people across our District who have any symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat or running nose to get tested for COVID-19.
Copies of the “Get Tested” poster have been distributed throughout Council networks
As the rules around activities such as shopping and eating out are relaxed, and we begin to resume a more “normal” life – the risk of community transmission increases.
Please help us keep our communities safe, by staying front of mind, and encouraging people who are symptomatic – or feeling unwell – to get tested – just to be sure!!
Photo and caption:
The “GET TESTED” poster has been distributed throughout CGRC networks.
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