Local Coronavirus Cases and the Importance of Isolating

THE Hunter New England Health district has confirmed there are no current diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in the Upper Hunter Shire area.

Whilst there are often rumours of local cases, typically it may be people who are isolating due to having cold or flu symptoms or if they have been to a venue where cases have been identified, or a person who has tested positive.

Dr Richard Abbott, from Scone Medical Practice, said it was important not to stigmatise people who are doing the right thing by isolating.

“People shouldn’t be stigmatised for doing the right thing,” said Dr Abbott.

Dr Richard Abbott encourages the community to support people isolating and doing the right thing to protect the local community.

“There are a pool of people who can be asymptomatic, so if you have been in contact with anyone, or been to a venue associated with cases, then it is important to isolate until you get your test results,” he said.

“If someone has symptoms they also need to isolate and be tested, if symptoms do persist even if your results are negative, you still need to isolate and I’d suggest having a second test to be absolutely positive – you are negative,” he said.

“If you are unwell and isolating, but coming into contact with other people in your home, wearing a mask, frequent hand washing and good hygiene practices are essential,” he said.

“Really the only proven barrier for transmission is social distancing and appropriate hygiene, so that is what we all need to keep practicing,” he said.

“As we’ve seen in Victoria and in clusters in Sydney, community transmission is occurring, so we need to stay vigilant as a community and assume we may come into contact with the virus,” Dr Richard Abbott said. 

Hunter New England Health have also stressed the importance of being tested and retested when you have any symptoms.

New South Wales Department of Health publishes confirmed cases, classified by postcode, daily: COVID-19 By Postcode.