COVID-19 Clinic and Advice - Statement
In line with NSW Health plans, the Far West LHD is preparing to commence operation of a COVID-19 clinic at Broken Hill Health Service. The COVID-19 clinic will commence operation on Saturday 14 March at 10am and will operate 7 days a week between 10am and 8pm.
This is to ensure people can directly access the COVID-19 clinic without needing to go to the Emergency Department or other parts of the health service. Only people who meet the criteria for testing for COVID-19 will be tested (see below for definition), otherwise consult your family doctor in the first instance. Signage at the hospital will direct people to the clinic.
The clinic is located at the entrance to the Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Unit (SARU) in Thomas Street (nearest intersection with Sulphide St).
Those who are at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus are people who have travelled overseas recently or had contact with a known confirmed case of the coronavirus. If you have travelled to certain higher risk countries check the Australian Government Department of Health site for self-isolation requirements.
Far West LHD is taking a coordinated approach to COVID-19 which includes liaising with local GPs, to follow guidelines NSW health has implemented to make sure people are appropriately counselled and screened (if they are symptomatic and fit the case definition), and isolated and appropriately treated if required.
Between NSW Health, Far West LHD and GPs, local Nursing Homes and Primary Health Network we are working together on a co-ordinated approach to ensure that people are well informed, and have available options for screening and testing. This is also to ensure people have access to reliable, consistent and accurate and up to date information at all times.
For everyone, the best way to protect yourself and each other is the same as you would against any respiratory infection. Practice good hygiene:
Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow.
Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home if you are sick.
People can also practice social distancing, which aims to generally reduce potential for transmission.While practising social distancing, people can travel to work (including public transport). For non-essential activities outside the workplace or attendance at schools, universities and childcare - social distancing includes:
- avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others
- avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example family celebrations
- attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people where possible, for example when they are out and about in public place.
- avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
- avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, infants, or people with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment
The public are encouraged to continue to monitor the NSW Health website for updated health information. This includes the Clinical Excellence Commission's updated COVID-19 infection control guidelines.
Current COVID-19 Criteria case definitions:
Test for COVID-19 in patients who present with fever OR acute respiratory infection AND in the 14 days before the onset of illness have either:
had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, OR
All patients who have travelled overseas in the past 14 days and present with fever or acute respiratory symptoms should be tested for COVID-19