No Covid-19 hot spots currently in the area
20th April 2020
Here's the latest update from Hunter-New England Health. Importantly, Lake Macquarie is no longer considered a hot spot.
In very encouraging news, there are now less than 50 'active' diagnosed cases currently in the region. Of course, this doesn't include undetected or undiagnosed cases.
Not out of the woods yet, but our health professionals are doing an amazing job, and so are you, but we can't undo the good work that's been done! Stay safe, stay well, stay home unless absolutely necessary to go out.
Hunter Health update, 8pm, Sunday, 19 April 2020
NSW Health has reported HNE Health’s COVID-19 cases at 278*, with the addition of two* new cases.
Currently six COVID-19 patients are being cared for in Hunter New England hospitals, including one in ICU, and 13 are receiving Hospital in the Home support.
Across the District, an additional seven patients have recovered in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases recovered to 230 so far.
A ‘recovered case’ refers to anyone previously confirmed positive with COVID-19 who is no longer under active surveillance by the public health unit, in either a hospital or in the community. This includes someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has now completed the required period of self-isolation, or someone who has previously been diagnosed with COVID-19 who no longer has the virus.
A prior false positive test is categorised as a negative case, and is not included as a recovered case.
COVID-19 statistics are available on the NSW Health webpage. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/…/covid-19-latest-updates.asp…
* Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review.
It’s good news for Lake Macquarie and Manning locals, with both locations no longer considered hot spots for possible COVID-19 community transmission.
With the recent push, testing rates have increased significantly in Manning and Lake Macquarie and no new cases have been identified.
Dr Dave Durrheim, Public Health Physician said that this is excellent news but should not be a reason for the community to relax and undo the good work that has been done.
“These communities have worked hard with the local health service and done an amazing job increasing testing rates to give us a better picture of whether the virus is being transmitted in the community.”
“It is good news but as there is a possibility that the virus can be reintroduced there is still a need for vigilance with social distancing, good hygiene and testing to continue,” he said.
Anyone who has experienced fever or the recent onset of respiratory symptoms, including a cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat should contact their GP, or present to their local hospital or COVID-19 clinic for testing.