Far West LHD COVID-19 Update - 4 More Cases

Of the new cases, two are in Balranald, one in Wilcannia and one in Broken Hill. The cases recorded for Balranald are under investigation.

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 are continuing.

The District's total recovered cases remains at 26, with the total number of active cases now 85.

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.

The District is calling on anyone in Balranald to get tested if they have even the mildest symptoms. Testing is available at Greenham Park Hall, Church Street, 10am to 4pm daily.

The District is also calling on anyone who has been in Wilcannia to get tested regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.

All Far West residents must limit their movements in the community at this time. Anyone who is currently experiencing, or has recently experienced, even mild cold-like symptoms is asked to come forward immediately for testing and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

A number of new casual contact venues have been confirmed. 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.

• BP Balranald, 94 Sturt Highway

  • Sunday, 29 August 2021 - 8:30am to 8:45am

  • Friday, 27 August 2021 - 9:30am to 9:45am

• Pepes Milk Bar Broken Hill, 142 Patton Street

  • Sunday, 22 August 2021 - 11:55am to 12:55pm

• Coles Broken Hill

  • Sunday, 15 August 2021 - 10.25am to 10.50am

  • Friday, 20 August 2021 - 10.25am to 11.25am

• Axel's Pet Supplies, 229 Oxide Street, Broken Hill

  • Friday, 20 August 2021 - 9.45am to 9.55am

• Broken Hill Gourmet Meat, Corner Gossan and Blende Streets

  • Friday, 20 August 2021 - 11.45am to 11.55am

• Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse, Broken Hill, 4-5 Village Shopping Centre

  • Friday, 20 August 2021 - 9.30am to 9.40am

• Liquorland, Broken Hill

  • Friday, 20 August 2021 - 10.25am to 11.25am

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 District has increased testing capacity in the community, 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 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).

There are more than 475 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.

The Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT) will be in Dareton and Wentworth from 6 to 8 September, and at Balranald on 9 September to assist our communities to get vaccinated against COVID-19. They will be going door-to-door offering Aboriginal community members the COVID-19 vaccine to maximise access. Flyers will be distributed advertising this vaccination program.

The AUSMAT vaccination program will occur in the following locations:

• 6 September 2021 - There will be a pop-up clinic within Namatijirra Reserve, at Dareton Land Council House 13, 9am to 4pm.

• 7 September 2021 - There will be a vaccination pop-up clinic at Dareton Community Library, 9am to 4pm.

• 8 September 2021 - There will be a vaccination pop-up clinic at Wentworth Show Grounds, 9am to 4pm.

• 9 September 2021 - There will be a vaccination pop-up clinic at Balranald, 10am to 4pm.

Transport is being provided for community members to the pop-up clinics by:

• Live Better - call +61 477 193 557;
• Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC) - call +61 3 5027 4824; and
• Aunty Pam Handy (Namatjirra Mission).

Vaccinations are also available at the Broken Hill Vaccination Clinic at the Broken Hill Civic Centre (corner of Chloride and Blende Streets). The clinic is open every day of the week, 9am to 4pm. Community members are invited to also (walk-in for a vaccination from 9am to 2.30pm daily, with no appointment necessary.