A REGIONAL health chief has revealed the Limestone Coast has yet to record a confirmed COVID-19 case, however a number of people have been tested for the potentially deadly virus.
Given the pandemic sweeping Australia, health authorities have implemented an Incident Management Team to oversee a regional response to the health crisis.
The news comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to climb in South Australia.
There are now 42 confirmed cases in the state after five people tested positive yesterday.
Limestone Coast Local Health Network governing board chair Grant King said all testing and management of patients needs were consistent with the approach right across South Australia.
“Our hospital sites right across the Limestone Coast are continuously introducing processes to ensure the testing for people with possible symptoms and our response to their needs and enquiries are well met,” Mr King said.
“As of late yesterday afternoon there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Limestone Coast, although a number of people have presented for testing.”
Mr King said it was the network’s intention to provide a regular update on this pandemic and provide updates at “least twice weekly”.
“We are working closely with the Department for Health and Wellbeing and are guided by the advice from senior health officials and our state and federal governments in relation to the policy response to this disease,” he said.
“It is important that we work through this issue collaboratively and that includes our relationships with and the good work being provided by our regional GP fraternity and their clinics.”
The health leader said it was important to remain alert, but not alarmed.
“Follow the personal hygiene messages including washing hands thoroughly and do not put yourself at risk involving unnecessary travel and large gatherings,” Mr King said.
He urged people to use social media for maintaining contact with friends and family, but warned to use these platforms as a mechanism for receiving advice regarding COVID-19.
Mr King also urged people not to promote information that was “not proven, was rumour or speculation” regarding coronavirus.
“Rely solely on the expert advice coming from our state and national health experts.”
If people are in doubt or have concerns about their own condition, they are urged to contact the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080 or their GP or local hospital.
“Please be assured that our staff and clinicians are committed to providing our community with the best possible response to this disease and we will continue to implement new strategies as circumstances evolve.”
Mr King said it was vital people followed personal hygiene messages, including social distancing and washing hands thoroughly.
People should also not put themselves at risk involving unnecessary travel and large gatherings.
“This is in line with the national instruction that outdoors gathering will be under 500 people and inside restricted to under 100 people,” Mr King said.
It has been shown internationally that abiding by these instructions in the community that this will ‘flatten the curve’ of the spread of COVID -19.
The State Government yesterday announced two dedicated COVID-19 facilities would be established in Adelaide.
These are expected to be operational by April and provide an additional 188 beds.
A COVID-19 testing clinic also opened in Victor Harbor.
SA Pathology has tested 12,000 people across the state for COVID-19.
