Premier Urges Testing for Mildest Symptoms

GLADYS Berekjiklian, the Premier of New South Wales has called on people with even the mildest symptoms to come forward and be tested, with on average 4000to to 5000 people being tested in the state each day. 

“It comes down to the mildest, mildest symptom, or in fact even if you hear that somebody you know has been in contact with someone who has the virus that should be enough to get you tested, there is no excuse for not getting tested, please come forward and be tested,” said the Premier.

Dr Kerry Chant, chief medical officer said it was especially important for health care workers, people working in aged care facilities, visitors and encouraged doctors to have a “very low threshold for testing”.

“Not everyone with covid-19 has a fever, as I said the symptoms are very very minimal and I think that’s been a key learning as I said the minimalist of symptoms, just that bit of sore throat, the bit of runny nose, just don’t got o work,” said Dr Chant.

“We’re facilitating testing for aged care workers, but my key message is don’t go to work if you are unwell,” said Dr Kerry Chant.

Health Update

• 5 new cases in the past 24 hours
• 3 more people have died, a total of 33 in NSW
• 331 people are being treated
• 20 people are in intensive care
• 16 people are on ventilators

The people who died were a 75 year old gentleman, an 80 year old woman from Gosford and a 92 year old woman from the Anglicare aged care facility in Caddens.

To date there have been 42 people from the Anglicare Newmarch House who have tested positive to covid-19, including 14 staff and 28 residents and three people have died.

Police Update

• 57 crew from the Ruby Princess were escorted off the ship and a number have flown home
• the ship is due to leave Australian waters on Thursday
• 40 crew members corona positive to covid-19