Just last week I wrote that we had sewage detection of the virus that causes COVID-19 in both Dubbo and Mudgee. I wrote that it was likely this meant someone in our communities had the virus.
That night, our worst fears were confirmed with a woman testing positive in Dubbo.
By 1pm on Wednesday we were under stay-at-home orders and by 11am on Monday, 16 August, we had a total of 90 active confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Dubbo, with cases also confirmed in Walgett (4) and Mudgee (3).
The reality is that we are facing an extremely serious situation right now. But there is a way out: get tested and stay at home.
COVID-19 doesn’t fly on the wind. It’s spread by human interaction. So stay at home, and only go out if absolutely necessary.
Everything you need to know is at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Stay-at-home rules: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions
If you need support to stay home in your area, please reach out to the Western NSW Local Health District on 1300 066 055, or your local Aboriginal Lands Council, Aboriginal Medical Centre or other local Aboriginal support services.
You can also call these free services for information about COVID-19 or help with home care, transport, social connection or financial support:
Service NSW – Information about COVID-19 rules and restrictions, and NSW government services. 13 77 88 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 or www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package for business support.
National COVID older person’s information line – Practical help and advice on the current guidelines and support available. 1800 171 866 (8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Closed public holidays)
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – COVID-19 Information Line for seniors to talk about COVID-19 concerns. 1800 237 981 (6am to 10pm, 7 days a week), https://opan.org.au/covid/
Coronavirus disability information helpline – Information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of COVID-19. 1800 643 787 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday), www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/information-and-referrals-for-people-with-disability-and-their-supporters-about-coronavirus-covid-19
National coronavirus helpline – Information on COVID-19 (including symptoms) or help with the COVIDSafe app. 1800 020 080 (24 hours, 7 days a week), www.health.gov.au/contacts/national-coronavirus-and-covid-19-vaccine-helpline
Translating and Interpreting Services – Free help in your language. 13 14 50 (24 hours, 7 days a week), www.tisnational.gov.au/en/Help-using-TIS-National-services/Contact-TIS-National
National Relay Service – call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. 133 677, www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/services-people-disability/accesshub/national-relay-service
Information about symptoms and getting tested: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/symptoms-and-testing
Exposure sites are being updated all the time: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/nsw-covid-19-case-locations/case-locations
I know there’s been a lot of frustration about accessing COVID-19 vaccines. Check your eligibility at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility Both vaccines are safe and effective, and will provide you and your family with the best chance of staying safe and healthy through this outbreak. The Oxford University developed Astra-Zeneca vaccine is readily available at a large number of GP clinics and pharmacies, as well as the local NSW Health Vaccination clinics in your area.
Until next week, stay safe,
Dugald