Removalist tests positive to COVID after stopping in Cootamundra

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District revealed on Tuesday morning that a home in Cootamundra was an additional location of concern that had been identified.

"MLHD can confirm a removalist who visited a private residence in Cootamundra on July 16 has subsequently tested positive for COVID-19," a spokesperson said.

"The household members have been identified as close contacts, and have been tested and are isolating in accommodation outside the MLHD.

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"The source of the virus is currently under investigation. No community risk has been identified at this time."

Cootamundra-Gundagai mayor Abb McAlister said the news goes to show how critical it is for regional areas to remain vigilant.

"You just don't know, so make sure you always wear your mask and use the QR codes to check in," he said.

"We had a scare last week in Gundagai, that was the third one. We are lucky that nothing has come of it.

"We are lucky so far and we want to keep the area safe. I appeal to everyone to do the right thing."

A NSW Police spokesperson said they are waiting on more information from NSW Health before deciding whether an investigation needs to take place.

The MLHD Mobile Testing Clinic was deployed to Cootamundra Showgrounds on Tuesday and will be there again until 4pm on Wednesday.

More than 200 people came forward for testing on Tuesday, the MLHD revealed.

Residents are encouraged to phone 1800 831 099 to pre-register to help ease delays at the site.

The most common symptoms include fever and dry cough and some people also experience sore throat, shortness of breath, or runny or stuffy nose.

Anyone with even the mildest of symptoms is urged to get tested.

The information from the MLHD comes after an aged care facility in Cootamundra was forced to enact emergency measures last week when a woman from the Greater Sydney region visited their facility.

When the breach was first discovered, all staff who had escorted the woman through the building were sent home to get a COVID test and self-isolate. Visitors who were present at the time were also directed to get a test.

Everyone has since returned a negative test result, including the woman from Greater Sydney.

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