The Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) reported nine cases of COVID-19 to 8pm last night, bringing the total cases in Far West LHD up to 8pm last night to 79.
Two of today's new cases are in Broken Hill and seven are in Wilcannia. All cases are in isolation and are being contacted regularly by NSW health staff for health and welfare checks. Follow up investigations and contact tracing is continuing.
FWLHD is calling on anyone who has been in Wilcannia in recent days to get tested regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.
Anyone in the community with COVID-19 who is isolating at home is reminded they can call for an ambulance if they are concerned or experience a deterioration in symptoms, including breathlessness and dizziness.
All Far West residents must limit their movements in the community at this time. Anyone in FWLHD who is currently experiencing, or has recently experienced, even mild cold-like symptoms is asked to come forward immediately for testing.
The public are advised of venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Anyone who attended any of the following venues listed on the specified dates and times (all CST) are casual contacts (unless they have been contacted by NSW Health as close contacts) and must get tested and isolate until a negative test result is received.
- Pepes Milk Bar Broken Hill, 142 Patton Street on Sunday, 22 August 2021 - 11:55am to 12:55pm.
- Coles Broken Hill on Sunday, 15 August - 10.25am to 10.50am; Friday, 20 August - 10.25am to 11.25am.
- Ivanhoe Petrol Station on Monday, 16 August - 12.40pm to 12.55pm.
- Woolworths Broken Hill on Thursday, 19 August - 11.30am to 1pm; Wednesday, 18 August - 2pm to 4pm; Saturday, 14 August - 11.35am to 11.50am.
- Axel's Pet Supplies, 229 Oxide Street on Friday, 20 August - 9.45am to 9.55am.
- Broken Hill Gourmet Meat, Corner Gossan and Blende Streets on Friday, 20 August - 11.45am to 11.55am.
- Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse, 4-5 Village Shopping Centre on Friday, 20 August - 9.30am to 9.40am.
- Liquorland, Broken Hill on Friday, 20 August - 10.25am to 11.25am.
- Wilcannia Roadhouse Grahams Motel on Saturday, 14 August - 9am to 9.10am.
For a full list of locations, including close and casual contact venues, public transport routes or changes to previously reported venues, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/nsw-covid-19-case-locations
The FWLHD has increased testing capacity in the District, including in Wilcannia and Broken Hill.
A COVID-19 testing clinic is operating at Wilcannia Oval (entry from Myer Street) from 9am to 4pm daily.
A pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic is operating at the Alma Oval in Broken Hill, from 8am to 4pm this week. The Alma Oval clinic can accommodate drive through tests.
A COVID-19 drive through testing clinic is operating at Memorial Oval in Broken Hill from 8am to 5pm, seven days a week. Everyone is asked to enter via Williams Street and exit via Warnock Street (left turn only).
FWLHD has standing COVID-19 plans and procedures in place, which are being continuously enhanced to ensure the safe isolation of positive COVID-19 cases in the far west region. Some individuals will need to be isolated in places other than their place of residence to ensure the safety of the person concerned and that of the community. FWLHD is working closely with intergovernmental agencies and partners to develop further capacity in Wilcannia and Broken Hill, as well as other locations across the District.
A COVID Community Response Team has been established to ensure the continual monitoring and evaluation of isolated patients to provide a safe and timely coordinated health and welfare response.
The FWLHD can also confirm, the Wilcannia Health Service has a transport ventilator available for staff to use for invasive ventilation support for an unwell COVID-19 positive patient. The clinical staff have the capability to actively and safely support the patient with this ventilator or use a BiPap breathing support unit, whilst the patient is being transported to Broken Hill or a larger hospital for advanced medical care.
A medical officer is also currently on site at Wilcannia Health Service to assist staff in responding to the health care needs of the community, particularly anyone presenting with COVID-19 and related illnesses.
There are more than 460 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.
To find your nearest clinic visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.
