Don't let COVID-19 prey on your complacency - If you need a test, get tested!
People in the Far West are being urged not to become complacent about COVID-19 and if you have a symptom, get tested - even if it is mild.
'If you have a symptom, don't delay. Get tested and self-isolate straight away, especially as we head towards school holidays next week,' said Mr Umit Agis, Chief Executive, Far West LHD.
Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, body aches, sore or scratchy throat, headache, runny nose, muscle pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, or loss of taste or smell.
'We cannot afford to allow complacency to undo all the great work we have done in in the Far West to keep COVID-19 away. It's been a long time since we had a confirmed case - and then only two who recovered at home,' said Mr Agis.
'We want to keep it that way and testing is vitally important. We are still in a pandemic and everyone can play their part,' he said.
Testing and screening is available at the COVID-19 clinic at the Broken Hill Health Service in Thomas Street (seven days a week, 10am to 8pm) and at the Drive Thru Clinic at BH Community Health Centre (Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm, Crystal Lane entry). Testing is also available at the RFDS Respiratory Clinic, Maari Ma and at each of the LHD's facilities across the Far West.
'If you have one of the symptoms, don't put it off - get a test,' said Mr Agis.
We have also amended our testing registration process to provide a better service. As part of the registration process, people will be enrolled for the SMS notification service which will not only provide quicker and efficient access to results but will also allow our pathology clinicians to focus on analysing more tests rather than using valuable time attempting to contact people by phone. People who may have a positive result will be contacted directly by a Public Health clinician.
Mr Agis reminded everyone, that as well as getting tested, also maintaining hand hygiene and physical distancing is crucially important to beat COVID-19. These measures do help against the spread of COVID-19.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones against COVID-19 you can call the National COVID 19 Call Centre on +61 1800 020 080 or Healthdirect on +61 1800 022 222 or go online to https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx