NSW Health has linked 28 cases to the Northern Beaches cluster in Sydney, including a person who has since travelled to Queensland. Genomic testing has revealed the outbreak is an international strain of COVID-19 but authorities still do not know how it got into the community.
There are significant concerns there will be the risk of Community transmission in NSW, and health official strongly urges everyone to take the right steps to slow the spread and keep our Communities safe.
NSW Health recommends everyone to regularly check the NSW Health website to get reliable information, check the list of infected COVID-19 locations and follow the health advice. The NSW Government will also provide regular COVID-19 case counts every day at 11am as the situation continues to evolve.
“Anyone who feels unwell with flu-like symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or shortness of breath must immediately have a COVID-19 test and follow the advice from their healthcare professional while waiting for their results. Getting a #swab4mob is the best way to keep each other safe right now,” said Robert Skeen, AH&MRC CEO.
Remember, some people infected with COVID-19 may show no symptoms. NSW Health urges anyone who visited any of the listed infected locations goes to their nearest COVID-19 testing clinic even if they show no symptoms of COVID-19. People living in the Northern beaches need to stay home and get tested if they feel unwell.
A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available here.
While waiting for test results people need to self-isolate at home. Even if they get a negative test result, people must self-isolate for 14 days. COVID-19 can still develop up to 14 days after contact with a person with COVID-19.
“If you have need support to find a way to keep apart from others in your home call your local Aboriginal Medical Service for assistance. We will help you and your family stay safe. Self-isolation is an important measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our Community and reduce the possibility of spreading the virus to Elders, family members and friends, who may become severely unwell with COVID-19.” said Robert Skeen.
AH&MRC urges everyone to continue following key measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in NSW. You can do this by;
- Regularly check the NSW Health website for the latest health advice and information. Consider downloading the COVID safe app. This will help NSW quickly contact you should you have contact with an infected person.
- Practice good hygiene measures such as regularly wash your hands, cover your cough and sneezes and keep 2 big steps apart from others or wear a mask in crowded areas e.g. public transport, shopping etc.
- If you or anyone in your family is feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms #swab4mob at your closest COVID-19 testing clinic. Call your Aboriginal Medical Service for more information, especially if you have any concerns about the recent outbreaks across New South Wales or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Nadia Ruben
Communications and Marketing Manager, AH&MRC
E: nruben@ahmrc.org.au | T +61 2 9212 4777
