As people absorb the news of the Shoalhaven's first positive COVID-19 case, the area health district says it has procedures in place to meet this current health situation.
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Local hospitals are ready to meet the ongoing demands of the current health crisis, according to an Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District spokesperson.
The Shoalhaven and District Memorial Hospital and the Milton Hospital have robust, well-established plans for handling respiratory infections, the spokesperson said.
"These plans are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect the latest advice to make sure we can respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation in any and all of our communities, including in the Shoalhaven," the spokesperson said.
"Our plans are well advanced and remain proportionate and flexible to ensure the District is equipped and ready to deal with all levels of severity.
"Specific planning for COVID-19 includes examining inpatient bed capacity across the District
The spokesperson said preparation was the key to meeting COVID-19.
"In the case that increased admissions are required, we have identified appropriate beds both in general wards and critical care areas," the spokesperson added.
"We have reviewed the equipment and staffing required to increase critical care support should that be required."
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Communication with local doctors is another important part of the planning process.
"The District routinely liaises with the Primary Health Network which represents GPs for the region," the spokesperson.
"We are in regular contact with them as planning continues and provide information and updates."
The health district stresses advice issued from the Federal Government must be followed.
All travellers returning or arriving from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days.
This applies to everyone, even if you have no symptoms.
"Please follow the home isolation guidance," the spokesperson said.
NSW Health is encouraging the community to be aware of the criteria for COVID-19 testing to ensure we can prioritise and protect anyone at high risk of infection.
The community is advised that they should be assessed for COVID-19 only if they have returned from overseas in the last 14 days and are showing flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat or in close contact with a person with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
"If they meet the case criteria people are advised to call their doctor or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to arrange an assessment," the spokesperson said.
"If their symptoms are severe, people should visit their local emergency department but call ahead first."
There is a very high demand for specialist COVID-19 testing in NSW with 30,244 tests already completed, which is among the highest in the world.
"Importantly, less than one per cent of cases are positive," the spokesperson said.
NSW patients are currently being referred to local hospital emergency departments or designated COVID-19 Assessment Clinics if they meet the recommended criteria for testing.
The first dedicated COVID-19 Assessment Clinic was established in Wollongong on Monday.
"Plans for similar clinics at Shellharbour and Shoalhaven Hospitals are well advanced and they will be open shortly," the spokesperson said.
"As the situation unfolds the District will establish further clinics if required."
Go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx#1-19 to find out more about getting tested for COVID-19.
If people do not fit the above criteria and are unwell with flu-like symptoms they should stay home and seek medical care from their usual GP, the health district advises.
Simple steps for communities for slowing the spread by social distancing
Keep your distance from others as much as you can but stay connected
Work local, study local, shop local, play local
Take personal action to reduce exposures and stay healthy - especially by practising good hand hygiene:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or your elbow
Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms Get a flu shot when it becomes available
Stop shaking hands, hugging or kissing as a greeting
Avoid crowds if possible, if not keep the time short
Visit shops sparingly, buy food online, consider home delivery and take-aways
Attempt to keep a distance of 1.5m between yourself and others where possible
Avoid visiting vulnerable people such as those in aged care facilities, hospitals, or people with compromised immune systems.
What about face masks ?
Face masks will be provided to people entering the department's facilities who need them most.
"They are not recommended for the general population," the spokesperson said.
"People who have symptoms and might be infected with COVID-19 are required to stay in isolation at home and should wear a surgical face mask when in the same room as another person and when seeking medical advice to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to anyone else."
Updated information is provided at NSW Health's one-stop website for information about COVID19 for the community and health professionals.
A comprehensive COVID-19 FAQ can be found at www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx
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