The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) says Shoalhaven hospital is prepared to rapidly respond to Delta strain cases should it make its way down from Sydney.
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The ISLHD response came after questions were put to them by the South Coast Register following the visitation of a COVID case in Goulburn.
According to ISLHD, Shoalhaven hospital has the ability to quickly open facilities including testing clinics and dedicated COVID wards if required.
"[ISLHD] and our hospitals including Shoalhaven Hospital have well established plans to care for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19," said an ISLHD spokesperson.
"These plans include staff surge planning, reconfiguring wards to establish a dedicated COVID-19 patient ward and expanding Intensive Care Unit capacity to care for patients who may require ventilation. We have adequate supply of ventilators should we need to expand our ICU capacity.
"Planning for COVID cases has been in place since the early stages of the pandemic last year. These plans are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect the latest situation with the spread of COVID-19 and to meet any demand.
ISLHD reminded members of the public to get tested if you show symptoms. A detailed list of testing clinics and up-to-date opening hours is available on the ISLHD website.
"Given the rapidly evolving nature of this current outbreak and the transmissibility of the Delta variant, the NSW government is making regular changes to the Public Orders including the tightening of testing arrangements for Greater Sydney workers who are required to leave their home to work," the ISLHD spokesperson said.
"The community is asked to please check the NSW Government website regularly to make sure they are complying with current rules and follow the relevant health advice. We need to be vigilant to the presence of the virus at any time. It is critical anyone who is feeling unwell - even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat - seeks testing and self-isolates until they get the result.
"Please check the NSW Government website regularly and follow the relevant health advice if you have attended a venue of concern. This list is being updated regularly as case investigations proceed."
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