Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District public health director Curtis Gregory is urging residents to continue wearing masks and exercise "common sense" in busy settings after NSW hit a daily record of COVID case numbers over the weekend.
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Restrictions on mask mandates loosened on December 15, and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has resisted reintroducing such measures adding it is a matter of "personal responsibility".
Read more: Masks won't be mandated despite COVID surge
NSW recorded 2,566 new COVID cases on Sunday, taking the tally for the past five days to over 10,000. Shoalhaven's case numbers have remained steady, with a total of 19 cases recorded last week.
Wear masks
Mr Gregory is encouraging residents to continue wearing masks to "protect people that are vulnerable".
"We're encouraging people to still wear masks," he said. "They are still useful in protecting others and yourself."
"If you're catching public transport, or where you can't effectively physically distance in crowded places, especially indoors, wear a mask.
"It's a layer of protection and a pragmatic way people can keep safe."
Socialise outdoors
Mr Gregory also advised people to socialise and to host Christmas celebrations outdoors where possible to help stop the spread.
"Have a think and take yourself out of environments if you're concerned about exposure," he said.
"Try and have all your Christmas socialisations outdoors where you can.
"Have a drink in the beer garden, sit at an outdoor table if you can, if you're catching up with friends meet at a park and have a picnic.
"The more people get out and about, there's more chance to to get exposed to someone who may not even know they've got COVID."
Exercise caution when travelling
Mr Gregory urged people to exercise extra caution if you are preparing to visit family members who may be elderly or immunocompromised over the Christmas period.
"Be aware of when you're visiting people particularly those who may be vulnerable, like the elderly or someone with a chronic illness or an underlying condition, make sure that you're not bringing any sickness to them," said Mr Gregory.
"We're asking people to be really mindful of any symptoms, stay at home if you've got sick, don't go to work or out socializing.
"If you've got even the mildest symptoms, go and get tested and stay home until you get a negative result.
"The last thing you want to do is give someone COVID for Christmas."
Booster shots
ISLHD operated vaccination clinics administered over 3,800 booster doses last week, with a spokesperson confirming there is plenty of supply for the district.
Mr Gregory said getting a booster shot is another vital protective measure against the virus, which can be booked five months from the date of your last dose.
He said it will allow people to travel more confidently and is a key way to keep hospital admissions down.
"Shoalhaven in particular has got really strong vaccination rates, with upwards of 95 per cent double dose vaccinations," said Mr Gregory
"We still are recommending the third dose of the booster dose, because that provides another layer of protection.
"What it will do is allow people to have more confidence to travel more freely.
"Cases have increased dramatically, but admissions to hospital haven't. And that's a really good sign around the effectiveness of the vaccine."
NSW recorded 2,501 new COVID cases in Monday's update and there are currently 261 people in hospital and 33 people in ICU. As at 8pm last night, there were six patients in hospital in the ISLHD as a result of COVID-19.
"The majority of the cases that we're seeing locally at this time, are much more milder forms than what we'd seen previously," said Mr Gregory.
"And that's reflected in the hospitalization rate. As numbers increase, hospitalization will proportionately go up. But it's still at a much lower rate."
Consider virtual hospital visits
With hospitals across the ISLHD now operating in 'Red Alert', meaning no visitors are allowed except under special circumstances, some may not be able to be with their family over the Christmas period.
Mr Gregory said he acknowledged this could be challenging for people, but said the restrictions on visitors are a safety measure.
"One of the tragedies of the pandemic is how it affects families during times like Christmas, and we know Christmas can be really stressful time for a lot of people when their family is in hospital," he said.
"I's about finding other ways to communicate, we have to have the red alerts in place to protect the vulnerable populations in the hospital.
"Some of the alternatives people can look at is having virtual contact with the person.
"Either by having one family member in there and the rest on Skype."
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