The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is implementing screening and temperature testing for all people coming into its health services.
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It's all part of the state-wide response to COVID-19.
Health services, including Parkes and Forbes, will primarily be using thermal thermometers, WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said, which means that no contact is required to test the temperature of everyone entering health facilities.
"The testing will apply to all visitors, along with staff and contractors entering our sites," Mr McLachlan said.
"People coming to our sites will also be asked some screening questions.
'If people have a temperature over 38°C or they respond 'yes' to any of the screening questions, they will be asked to not enter the facility, and to go to a clinic or their doctor to be assessed for a COVID-19 test."
The measures are being implemented in all health facilities across the state.
"They are designed to help us limit the spread of COVID-19, and protect our staff and patients," Mr McLachlan said.
WNSWLHD listed the screening questions staff will ask all people entering local health facilities. The questions are:
- Have you returned from overseas travel (or a cruise ship) in the last 14 days?
- Have you had any close contact with a COVID-19 positive case?
- Do you have any flu-like symptoms?
The screening and temperature testing measures have started immediately in all facilities, including hospitals, community health centres, oral health services and clinics, including vaccination services.
The WNSWLHD previously introduced restrictions on visitors in all its facilities, with one visitor per patient in larger facilities, and no visitors in MPS facilities, where aged care residents may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
"We know that these are challenging measures for everyone to adapt to, but at the heart of our response measures is the need to do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities, including older people and the sick," Mr McLachlan said.
"We also need to minimise the risk to our staff, who we need fit and healthy as we stay prepared to escalate our COVID-19 response."
For more information on COVID-19 follow the WNSWLHD on Facebook, contact the Public Health Helpline on 1300 066 055 or contact healthdirect online or on 1800 022 222.
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