On Thursday, the Western NSW Local Health District confirmed a case of COVID-19 in Bathurst, and a further case in Orange.
It is important to note that at this point in time, while testing has been taking place, there are no confirmed cases in Dubbo, Wellington, Narromine or Mudgee.
The state’s total, at the time of this release being distributed, is now 307 confirmed cases across NSW.
The NSW Government will be basing about 20 agencies dealing with the response to the COVID-19 outbreak at the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) headquarters at Lidcombe, including police, health, education and transport services, amongst others.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, tiredness, shortness of breath, and in more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or severe respiratory distress.
PREVENTION
Everyone needs to be vigilant when it comes to personal hygiene. This means cleaning hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
It also means covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow, avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms and practicing social distancing.
If you are feeling unwell, stay home, and if you develop a fever, cough, tiredness or shortness of breath within 14 days of overseas travel, seek medical attention
WHO SHOULD I SEE?
Hospitals are a last resort and should only be visited by people who have been overseas within the past 14 days, or those in direct contact with a confirmed case.
If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, call your local GP or the Health Direct hotline (1800 022 222).
PANIC BUYING
For several weeks now, we have seen a shortage of essential items as a result of panic buying.
This has included toilet paper, tissues, paper towel, and in more recent times a number of food items such as meat, bread and rice.
Medical supplies, including Ventolin, are being bought in bulk and this cannot be maintained. There are very vulnerable people in our community who are being denied the opportunity to purchase essential items because people are hoarding
I cannot be any clearer when I say that panic buying is not necessary.
If we work together we will get through this. It won’t be a quick fix but we need to use common sense and be community-minded when it comes to our shopping habits. As part of a proactive approach, police attached to the Orana Mid-Western Police District are maintaining regular patrols around our towns, with a focus on shopping centres, in an effort to avoid the ridiculous scenes we have seen at other locations.