There are now 13 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Wingecarribee Shire.
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This is according to the latest statistics from the Health NSW Government website.
None of the cases in the Wingecarribee have been locally acquired at this stage.
But, NSW is upscaling its level of preparedness for COVID-19, with moves underway to double intensive care capacity across the state.
NSW Health has expedited orders of additional ventilators for the state's public hospitals, and will also work in partnership with the private hospital system where necessary to utilise its resources.
Read Further: Councillor Nelson speaks out about self isolation
Doctor Vincent Roche from Southern Medical Centre said "the hospital tells me that we are still at seven cases with one needing transfer to Liverpool."
"There are still no community transmission here and no "COVID 19 Hot Spots," Doctor Roche said.
"The difference between the hospital/LHD numbers (seven) and the NSW Health numbers are that the LHD numbers count everyone who is diagnosed in the LGA and NSW Health count all positive by their stated address (ie drivers licence, Medicare etc).
"The discrepancy is likely due to people who have put down their residential address as Wingecarribee.
"They could have got off a cruise ship and be staying in Sydney for example."
The South Western Sydney Local Health District has extensive plans in place to expand the capacity of health services to meet increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is continuing to trace and respond to cases as they are diagnosed to slow any spread in the community.
It's encouraged the community to remember everyone has an important role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by practising social distancing, hand hygiene, self-isolating if unwell or under quarantine and following the recently announced lock-down requirements.
This is the latest update on the COVID-19 virus.
Statistics from 8pm, Wednesday, March 25, 2020, of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) were:
- District Number of cases South Western Sydney Local Health District 88
- Wingecarribee Shire - 13 confirmed cases
None of the Wingecarribee Shire cases have been locally acquired at this stage according to Health NSW.
COVID-19 clinics have been established across NSW, including in the South Western Sydney Local Health District, to assess and diagnose patients with possible COVID-19 infections.
Clinics are open from 10.00am to 5.30pm, seven days a week, in the following locations:
- Campbelltown Hospital, Parkside Drive.
- Liverpool Hospital, Elizabeth Street, 150 metres from the Emergency
- Department entrance Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, Eldridge Road, in the Allied Health Outpatient Building, 25 metres to the right of the hospital's front entrance
- Fairfield Hospital, Prairie Vale Road, opposite the Emergency Department entrance
- Bowral and District Hospital, Ascot Road, in the outpatients' clinic.
The advice from SWAHS is that people with a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath who have either been overseas in the past 14 days or been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 can be tested at the clinic. They do not have to make an appointment.
Current government advice is that people without symptoms do not need to be tested.
People who do not fit the criteria for testing should contact their GP for advice.
This year's flu vaccine is expected to be available by mid-April and it is encouraged people who can be vaccinated against the flu to do so.
While the flu vaccine won't combat COVID-19, it will help to reduce the severity and spread of the flu which can lower a person's immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses.
The NSW Government has announced an additional $2.3 billion health boost and economic stimulus package for COVID-19, with $700 million extra funding for NSW Health to assist in doubling ICU capacity, preparing for additional COVID-19 testing, purchasing additional ventilators and medical equipment, establishing more acute respiratory clinics and bringing forward elective surgeries to private hospitals.
Latest stats on COVID-19: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-latest.aspx.
For information and updates on COVID-19 see the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au.
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