Two more COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Albury throughout Thursday, and one patient from an unspecified town has been admitted to hospital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From one confirmed case in Albury at the weekend - then, the only case in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District - the tally rose to four in Albury on Tuesday, and six on Thursday.
There are also two new cases in Federation, bringing the total to four in that local government area.
Overall in Murrumbidgee, there was a rise of seven positive tests returned in the 24 hours to 8am on March 27, with Wagga also recording one new case (bringing its total four).
One of the seven new cases identified is now an inpatient at Albury Wodonga Heath.
AWH Director of Pandemic Response Sally Squire said that person was in a stable condition.
"Albury Wodonga Health can confirm three NSW people, who were tested at the Albury Wodonga Health clinic, have returned a positive result to COVID-19," she said.
"The results take the total number to nine positive COVID-19 results, tested at the Albury Wodonga Health clinic.
"These three [new] cases were diagnosed after travelling overseas.
"Two of the patients are in self-isolation, having experienced mild to moderate symptoms.
"They remain at home to ensure they do not transmit the virus.
"One of the three new cases identified is an inpatient at Albury Wodonga Heath. They are in a stable condition.
"Those patients being managed at home have the ongoing support of their GP and a daily check up with local health services.
"NSW Public Health is working with all new cases to determine their movements and supervise their self-isolation.
"The Albury Wodonga Clinic has conducted 1536 screening calls to date.
"There have been 402 patients who have been tested."
All cases notified were diagnosed after travelling overseas or being in contact with a confirmed case.
There is no community transmission so far, and this is also the case for the three positive results returned in Moira Shire.
Two of those people presented to Yarrawonga Health, chief executive Elaine Mallows confirmed on Friday morning.
"It is time for us to work together and focus not only on what confronts us today, but plan for tomorrow, taking steps to protect everyone in the community - and to stop the spread," she said in a statement.
"I urge the community to please stay home, wash your hands regularly, and remember social distancing saves lives.
"In the meantime, Yarrawonga Health is working tirelessly on preparing our service for the forecast difficult months ahead."
The two people tested by Yarrawonga Health (out of three cases in Moira) had recently returned from overseas and were following mandatory isolation requirements.
Telephone contact was made first, followed by presentation to the health service.
Yarrawonga Health stated COVID-19 cases were expected to rise as the virus emerges into the region.
IN OTHER NEWS:
MLHD public health deputy director Alison Nikitas also said on Wednesday we could expect a rise as people continued to return to Australia as borders close worldwide.
"All our cases so far have been related to overseas travel," she said.
"We haven't seen any community transmission so far.
"A lot of those people that have come back overseas once the borders were closed, have now come back into 14 days of isolation and have developed symptoms over that time.
"We've had a variety of different places where people have travelled; some have been to New Zealand, some have been on cruises, we don't have any cases so far that are linked to the Ruby Princess, and others have been over to Indonesia.
"I think with the way things have happened with the closure of borders and a lot of people coming back into the country now ... we will be seeing a rise.
"It can take up to two weeks before people develop symptoms.
"But it is essential we keep the messages going out to people, about social distancing, staying away from crowds and being careful of their own health."
COVID-19 Numbers to know:
Murrumbidgee Local Health District
- Call the free-call coronavirus hotline 1800 022 222 and receive advise on the best course of action depending on their symptoms and risks. Medical staff will direct people to the nearest hospital or respiratory clinic, or advise them to stay home
- Call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099 for assessment (7.00 am - 11.00 pm)
Albury Wodonga Health
- You can also call the coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 675 398. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Contact your GP or Albury Wodonga Health on (02) 6058 4444 for assessment and testing.
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here
