COVID-19 Case in the Illawarra Shoalhaven
As of Monday 16 March there has been one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region. The case is a returned traveler who has had contact with another confirmed case and has been in self isolation since returning to Australia. No further details will be provided as information such as locations where cases live, work or have visited do not pose any ongoing risk to the public. Publishing private details, such as the location of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, is a breach of patient privacy and serves no public health benefit.
NSW Health are contacting people who have had close contact with all confirmed cases.
There a few simple things everyone can do to help keep themselves and others safe:
- keep your hands clean by washing them often with soap and water or using hand sanitiser
- avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose as the virus can enter your body if it's on your hands and you rub your eyes or touch your nose or mouth
- maintain social distance when you can, 1.5 metres between you and others is good
- if you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others
- sneeze and cough into your elbow rather than your hand
- use disposable tissues
- keep your distance from those who are coughing and sneezing
- stay home if you are unwell and call, not visit, your own GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and our hospitals have well established plans for handling respiratory infections, like COVID-19 and influenza.
These plans are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect the latest advice and research.
Staff are trained in world's best practice for infection control and prevention which helps to keep our patients, visitors and staff safe.