A 41-year-old man who recently returned home from a trip abroad is the Border region's first confirmed coronavirus case.
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On Sunday night, Murrumbidgee Local Health District confirmed "the first case of COVID-19 in the Murrumbidgee, in the Border region".
"One positive result has been returned from 538 people tested for COVID-19 in MLHD," a spokeswoman said.
"NSW Health has advised that a 41 year old male who recently returned home from a trip abroad has tested positive.
"The patient has been interviewed to identify his travel paths and potential contacts and anyone who has been in contact with this patient will be notified.
"The patient is in self isolation and has taken measures to ensure he does not transmit the virus.
"MLHD appeals to members of the public to practice hand hygiene and social distancing as these remain the most effective ways to reduce transmission of the virus.
"Reducing contact between people unless absolutely necessary, especially those in our population who may be more vulnerable or susceptible to the illness because of age or weakened immunity, is critical to slowing the spread and impact of COVID-19."
Earlier:
A coronavirus test done at the Albury Wodonga Health clinic has returned positive for the first time.
The person who tested positive at the Wodonga drive-through clinic had recently returned from overseas and had been in self-isolation at home since.
They have not attended the Albury or Wodonga hospitals, AWH pandemic response director Sally Squire said in her statement.
"They will continue to monitor their symptoms from home," she said.
"NSW Public Health is following up with them regarding tracing their contacts and their ongoing self-isolation."
While AWH stated this was a "NSW person", The Border Mail understands this case relates to the Border region.
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District advised on Sunday afternoon that there was one suspected case of COVID-19 amongst people who have been tested in MLHD, with further testing underway to confirm status.
Albury Wodonga Health soon after confirmed that a NSW person, who was tested at the Albury Wodonga COVID-19 clinic, has returned a positive result for coronavirus.
Although Albury Wodonga Health is operationally under the Victorian Health System, any resident on the NSW side testing positive will be reflected in MLHD data.
"All COVID-19 tests reported in New South Wales will be made by NSW Health," a MLHD spokeswoman said.
"All infectious diseases identified in New South Wales are reportable through NSW Health.
"Residents of New South Wales including people who reside in Albury, fall under the reporting for NSW Health.
"Operationally, Albury-Wodonga Health is part of the Victorian health system."
There were 54 people screened by Albury Wodonga Health via telephone on Saturday 21 March.
Of those patients, 15 were swabbed for COVID-19 at the Wodonga drive-thru and clinic.
Sixty-seven new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Victoria on Saturday, bringing the total number of cases in Victoria to 296.
Of the 296 cases, there have been 256 in metropolitan Melbourne and 25 in regional Victoria.
Greater Shepparton recorded its first official case at the weekend, with other regional cases being in Ballarat (3), Surf Coast (2), Warrnambool (2) and Macedon Ranges (2) and Latrobe, with Yarriambiack, Gannawarra, Hepburn, Moorabool, Mitchell and Mildura all recording one case.
IN OTHER NEWS:
There are 533 cases in NSW.
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District has advised that the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, sore throat and dry cough.
Symptoms will generally appear three to four 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.
Anyone who believes they have may have contracted the COVID-19 virus (ie: who are returned travellers, or who have come in contact with a confirmed case and are showing symptoms: fever, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath) are advised in the first instance to:
- Call the free-call coronavirus hotline 1800 022 222 and receive advise on the best course of action depending on your symptoms and risks. Medical staff will direct people to the nearest hospital or respiratory clinic, or advise them to stay home and self-monitor, or contact their GP, or Contact your GP to arrange an appointment (let GP practice know in advance if you have symptoms)
- Or Call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099 for assessment (7.00 am - 11.00 pm)
TIPS to reduce potential for transmission of the virus:
- Avoiding crowds and mass gatherings
- Avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces
- Keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people
- Avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
- Avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals.
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