The Murrumbidgee's streak of almost a month without a new confirmed positive coronavirus diagnosis is the equivalent of two full incubation periods of the illness.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As of 8am on Thursday, 42 of the region's 45 confirmed cases were considered to be recovered.
Lenert Bruce, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District's executive director of medical services, welcomed the news that there were no new regional cases. Statewide, in the 24-hour period to 8pm on Wednesday, there were just four additional positive results.
"We're almost at 30 days without a new case in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. We're very excited about that because it will take us to essentially two incubation periods where we've not had any locally acquired cases, which is absolutely brilliant," Dr Bruce said.
"Really, a great shout-out should go to the community of Murrumbidgee. It's because they've been doing all the right things - which has not been easy - and maintaining social distancing and getting tested, which has been really great from our point of view."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Dr Bruce said there had been almost 6500 COVID-19 tests conducted in the region, with more than 300 carried out just on Wednesday, a level which is one and a half times the daily average for the previous five days.
"That's great and the reason is that testing is more freely available. We have our mobile van that will go out to smaller communities, where patients can get tested. There's obviously the commonwealth clinics, plus our own clinics and GPs' testing, so that's great."
Dr Bruce said Friday would be an exciting day for NSW because of the relaxation of some coronavirus lockdown restrictions, but he reinforced the need to maintain vigilance.
"The fact that we are allowed to go outside to visit family and friends is a great thing, but we have to maintain that social distancing; like that 1.5 metres when people go and do their exercising outside.
"Once again, the most important message for the community is that if you're in any way unwell, call the Murrumbidgee COVID hotline, get a test done, do not go to work and do not go to visit your family and friends.
"I know you've missed them, but the last thing that we want is an outbreak in this district. We've done so well, we don't want to undo all the good work we've done recently. When we relax social distancing risk is there."
Phil Major, the MLHD's manager of virtual care, urged anyone who was showing symptoms of coronavirus, or had any concerns, to call the MLHD's COVID-19 hotline, on 1800 831 099, between 7am and 9pm.
'We can schedule screening to see if you have symptoms that require testing, schedule the testing, follow up with your results and, if there's a need to have a medical intervention, rather than having to go to your local emergency department - or if you are struggling to get into your GP - we can provide that service as well," he said.
Mr Major said the MLHD's mobile testing van was now being rolled out across the region seven days a week, to "reach the gaps" in services.
