Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has reassured the Parkes Shire community that it undertakes an extensive tracing process when a coronavirus case has been confirmed in a town.
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The health district said it contacts anyone it believes who are at risk or will release information if it has any concerns regarding a workplace or public location.
The message comes after a number of Parkes residents and businesses voiced their concerns, in person or on social media, when a COVID-19 case was confirmed in the Parkes Shire on April 6.
Some of the concerns raised by individuals included the need for a more specified location, how to protect staff working in the shire and areas the infected person had visited.
Meanwhile a number of other Parkes Champion Post readers turned to Facebook to wish the person a speedy recovery.
"When a person is confirmed to have COVID-19, an extensive contact tracing process is undertaken to understand any risk there may be to close contacts of the confirmed case," a WNSWLHD spokesperson said.
"NSW Health undertakes to contact anyone who may be at risk of being exposed to the virus, and where there is any concern regarding a workplace or public location, this information is provided to the workplace or released publically."
WNSWLHD did not provide a more specific location of the case in the Parkes Shire.
Concerns whether Parkes and Forbes hospitals are equipped to handle coronavirus patients or if patients would need to be moved to a bigger facility, the spokesperson said most people who contract COVID-19 will not require hospitalisation.
"Of those who do experience symptoms, many will be appropriately cared for in their own homes with support from health services," the spokesperson said.
"Where hospitalisation is needed, a decision will be made by the health team as to where they can receive the right care for their needs."
WNSWLHD said NSW Health has already doubled its intensive care capacity across the state, as part of an $800 million package to increase its preparedness for COVID-19.
"WNSWLHD services are continuing to manage urgent elective surgery lists as the system responds to the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming winter flu season," the spokesperson said.
"In conjunction with clinicians, a recommendation has been made to prioritise urgent surgical operations and postpone non-urgent surgery.
"Ensuring adequate system capacity as well as patient, staff and public safety are key factors in the delivery of healthcare services during this period."
The health district plans to continue to work with clinicians to ensure patients who have had their surgeries postponed are followed-up in case their condition changes.
Meanwhile the spokesperson said it is critical everyone in all our communities continue to practice social distancing to minimise the risk of the transmission of COVID-19 and protect the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions.
"The best thing everyone can do at this point is to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential," they said.
It is also very important to remember to:
- Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Keep your distance from others as much as possible through social distancing.
Information on the locations of confirmed COVID-19 cases is available by postcode on the NSW Government's website at https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
This information is updated daily and is displayed in a way that will help protect the privacy of those affected.
The Western NSW Local Health District has also established a dedicated COVID Helpline on 1300 066 055. The call centre is available for health professionals, residents and workplaces, to get streamlined access to clinical COVID-19 information.
For after hours, members of the general public can contact HealthDirect for assistance on 1800 022 222 or can visit the HealthDirect website.
For general advice and information about COVID-19 visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
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