Far West LHD COVID-19 Update - 9 More Cases

All nine of today's new cases 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 are continuing.

Two more positive COVID-19 cases recovered from their illness up to 8pm last night, bringing the District's total recovered cases to 26.

The total active cases therefore have been reduced to 81.

FWLHD is again calling on anyone who has been in Wilcannia 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 Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT) will be in Dareton and Wentworth from 6 to 8 September, and at Balranald on 9 September 2021 assisting our vulnerable 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 distributing advertising this vaccination program.

The AUSMAT vaccination program will occur in the following locations:

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

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

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

• Balranald on 9 September, 2021.

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; or contact Aunty Pam Handy (Namatjirra Mission).

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.

• BP Balranald, 94 Sturt Highway on 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 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.

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

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 Community Hub 123 in Creedon Street this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 10am to 2pm.

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.

Vaccinations are available at the Broken Hill Vaccination Clinic at the Broken Hill Civic Centre (corner of Chloride and Blende Streets). The clinic is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm. You can also walk-in for a vaccination from 9am to 2.30pm daily.

Currently the Pfizer vaccine is available for people aged 16 - 59 years of age, and the Astrazeneca vaccine is available for people aged 60 years of age and over.

People aged 12 - 15 from eligible groups (Aboriginal, rural and specified medical conditions) can now book a vaccination appointment through a general practitioner or a NSW Health vaccination centre.

At NSW Health vaccination centres all people under 16 require parental consent and a parent or guardian to accompany them to the appointment. Vaccine information is available at www.health.gov.au/COVID-19-vaccines