UPDATE: Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) has confirmed six (6) cases

Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) has confirmed six (6) cases of COVID-

19 have been formally identified within the District (as at 22 March, 2020). The

announcement follows recent tests which were verified on the weekend.

The confirmed cases include:  A Longbeach local who returned to Batemans Bay following a recent cruise and

has undertaken self-isolation.

 A Tura Beach resident, who is now in self-isolation after testing positive on return

from traveling overseas.

 A woman from Merimbula who contracted the virus after attending a wedding

interstate who is now in self-isolation.

 A Canberra man in his 60s who was recently overseas, then on his return showed

signs of a sore throat, cough and flu like symptoms. The man is in self-isolation in

Goulburn.

 A Queanbeyan woman in her 60s who was recently interstate, and is now in self-

isolation.

 A Bungendore resident who tested positive after returning from a recent cruise,

and has undertaken self-isolation.

Southern NSW Local Health District Public Health Unit is in contact with each confirmed

case and their close contacts, advising them to self-isolate for 14 days from when they

were last with the confirmed case. They have also been advised to seek medical

attention should they experience symptoms.

Identifying close contacts ensures that those people who may be at risk take the

necessary steps to avoid any further transmission.

It is essential that everyone plays a part in containing the spread of COVID-19 by

practising good hygiene measures including:

 Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an

alcohol-based hand rub.

 Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed

elbow.

 Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

 Stay home if you are sick.

Southern NSW Local Health District has established COVID-19 Assessment Centres

throughout the District, so those with symptoms may be tested and treated quickly.

The purpose of these clinics is for people who have respiratory symptoms or fever and who

are at risk of COVID-19, for example because they were in contact with a COVID-19 case, or

have returned from overseas in the 14 days before onset of symptoms.

Any one heading to an assessment centre MUST call the SNSWLHD Central Intake

Service – 1800 999 880 (option 1) before attending.

You will ONLY be tested if you fit the COVID-19 testing criteria.

This testing can take up to two days to complete and report back. For the latest, up to date