The coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the way we live and work and I want to wholeheartedly thank you all for supporting our staff and saving lives by staying home and complying with social distancing.
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The support of our community for these measures has been fantastic and has helped stop the spread of the virus in the Southern Highlands.
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These are unprecedented times for everyone.
Many of us, particularly the elderly, are feeling lonely and isolated at home and I encourage you to keep in regular contact with older family, friends and neighbours to check they are okay.
Your efforts to stay at home except for essential food shopping, caring duties and work and educational commitments are helping to contain the COVID-19 infection rate not only in our own community but across the nation.
I also encourage anyone in our community with symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, headache, dry cough and fatigue, to be tested for the virus at the hospital's COVID-19/ Flu Assessment Clinic or see your GP, particularly if you work with vulnerable communities such as aged care or in a job with many interactions with people.
The clinic, located in the outpatients clinic in Ascot Street, is open from 10am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on weekends and public holidays.
As the colder weather is approaching, now is a good time to have your flu vaccination.
It will help reduce the severity and spread of flu, which can lower a person's immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses, such as COVID-19.
Redevelopment
I am delighted we are continuing to make great progress on our $68.7 million hospital redevelopment with adjustments made to our work practices to ensure the safety of the workers and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The exterior of the new building is almost complete with the scaffolding covering the north facing facade set to be removed in the coming weeks.
Internal works include the installation of ceiling panels, fittings and joinery as well installing and testing the lifts.
Colours of the Highlands
Finally, thank you to everyone who submitted entries to our Colours of the Highlands photo competition.
Along with three winners to be selected by our panel of judges, a people's choice award will be on offer - check our Facebook page in the coming weeks to see how you can vote.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au.
Ken Barnett
Bowral & District Hospital General Manager
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