Latest COVID-19 Advice for Visiting FWLHD Facilities re Melbourne
If you are visiting a Far West LHD facility and you have been to a Melbourne COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days, you will not be allowed to enter. You will also be advised you must self-isolate for 14 days from the time you were there, as part of new NSW Health measures introduced to help prevent spread of COVID-19.
These measures introduced under a new public health order add to those already in force across the Far West LHD for our facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This order came into effect on Thursday, 2 July 2020 to prevent travel from Melbourne hotspots to NSW.
Everyone visiting a Far West LHD facility is urged to comply with this new direction. They have been implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
Anyone answering yes to the question about visiting greater Melbourne, unless they are presenting for treatment, won't be allowed to visit any clinical areas in the facility (including patient areas, acute wards and outpatient areas) for 14 days, from the date they left Melbourne. They will be advised they have to self-isolate for 14 days if they have been to a hot spot. If they have flu-like symptoms, they will be referred to that facility's designated COVID-19 area for assessment. The person is advised to be tested for COVID-19 even if the mildest of symptoms arise.
Previous precautions implemented at Far West LHD facilities for COVID-19 still remain in place and include screening all visitors, as well as staff, with temperature testing and asking if they have any flu-like symptoms and have been in contact with a suspected COVID-19 case.
NSW Health strongly discourages travel to and from areas of Melbourne with COVID-19 outbreaks until control of community transmission has been contained. See the location of current COVID-19 community outbreaks in Melbourne (hotspots) . Individuals who fail to comply with the new rules could face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $11,000, or both.
The public are also reminded if they are unwell and/or symptomatic and wish to attend a Far West LHD facility's Emergency Department, they are encouraged to ring ahead and alert staff so that the proper COVID-19 precautions for the patient and staff are followed.
Anyone can attend for COVID-19 assessment and testing at any FWLHD facility, including:
- Balranald COVID-19 drive through clinic each weekday afternoon (1pm to 4pm) for people who meet the criteria for screening. No appointment is necessary and patients can remain in their vehicle whilst screening occurs.
- Broken Hill drive through clinic located in the carpark of the BH Community Health Centre (Sulphide Street) and operates 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday. Street.
- COVID-19 Clinic at the Broken Hill Health Service in Thomas Street. This clinic is open 7 days, from 10am to 8pm.
- Drive through clinics in the greater Wentworth area, including Wentworth, Dareton, Buronga, as advertised.
If you have any questions or concerns you can call the National COVID 19 Call Centre on +61 1800 020 080. For any Public Health related issues contact +61 1300 066 055.