COVID-19 update: 17 January 2022

Sadly, we also report the death of a man in his 80’s from Wagga Wagga. We express our sincere condolences to his loved ones.

MLHD has 6,021 active cases of COVID-19 across the district bringing the total number of cases since 1 July 2021 to 9,694. 

Active case numbers by Local Government Area or Postcode are available on the Service NSW website.

Testing advice

To ease pressure on testing clinics, NSW Health has recently updated testing guidelines to advise that most people can use a rapid antigen test (RAT) to confirm they are positive for COVID-19. 

If someone has tested positive to a rapid antigen test (RAT) they generally do not need a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm the result.

People only need to do a PCR test if:

• they have been asked to have a PCR test by a health care provider
• they have COVID-19 symptoms, but have tested negative on a RAT 
• they have symptoms and can’t get a RAT test
• have tested negative on a RAT, but are at higher risk of severe disease including those who are pregnant, immunosuppressed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, or unvaccinated.

To find testing locations call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline at 1800 831 099.

Advice for people with COVID-19

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 on a RAT or PCR test you must:

• self-isolate at home for 7 days from the date you got tested, even if you are fully vaccinated.
• tell the people you live with, any social contacts, and your workplace or school that you have tested positive.

You can only leave self-isolation after 7 days if you do not have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath. You do not need to have a negative test to exit isolation.

Your household contacts must also self-isolate for 7 days and have a RAT as soon as possible and again on day 6.

If you are under 65 years, and:

• have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine
• do not suffer from any chronic health conditions
• are not pregnant, you can safely manage COVID-19 at home.

If you are over 65 years, and:

• have a chronic condition that requires regular hospital visits or specialist follow-up
• are feeling unwell, call your GP or the NSW Health COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933 to be linked with appropriate care.

If you develop severe symptoms—especially severe headaches or dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest pressure or pain—call 000 (triple zero) straight away and let the ambulance staff know you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Learn more about what to do if you are diagnosed with COVID-19

Community action with vaccination

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at more than 100 locations across the region including GP’s, Pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services and MLHD clinics.

Vaccination for people aged 5 to 11 years is available at NSW Health vaccination clinics and participating GPs and pharmacies.

We encourage everyone who is eligible to book into an NSW Health vaccination clinic or another provider without delay through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.

The clinics are available for walk-ins, or you can book ahead to pre-register and save time in the line. 

In MLHD 97.1% of people aged over 16 and 81.4% of people aged 12 - 15 have received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines are now available for people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least 4 months ago.

We urge people to get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible, to best protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from the ongoing transmission of COVID-19.

We also strongly recommend that people aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised have a third primary dose of vaccine from 2 months after their second dose.

Stay safe and limit the spread

As case numbers grow across the region, we're encouraging everyone to take every reasonable precaution to reduce the risk against the virus and protect themselves and their families.

Remember to:

• wear a mask indoors and to wash and sanitise your hands regularly
• if you are unwell do not go out and visit family, friends or go to social events
• socialise outdoors where possible

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and a change in taste or smell.

Other reported symptoms include fatigue, muscle or joint pain, blocked nose, headache, nausea, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.

Even if you are fully vaccinated, be alert for any COVID-19 symptoms.
Even if you have one mild symptom of COVID-19, isolate until you can get a RAT or PCR test.

Murrumbidgee COVID-19 data summary