THE region has recorded six confirmed cases of coronavirus, however none of these cases are linked according to health authorities.
The Limestone Coast Local Health Network has revealed none of the people who have contracted COVID-19 have been hospitalised.
According to figures released late yesterday afternoon, there are now three confirmed cases in Mount Gambier.
Kingston, Bordertown and Penola have all recorded one case.
Of the cases, five are related to people who have been involved in overseas or interstate travel.
Overall, South Australia recorded six new cases yesterday with the majority of these new cases linked to cruise ships.
Limestone Coast Local Health Network board chair Grant King said all of the known cases in the region had been placed into self -isolation.
“Testing of people with symptoms or exposure from travel related activities is occurring across the region,” Mr King said.
He urged people who were uncertain about their well-being to make contact with their doctor or nearest hospital.
“None of the cases have been hospitalised at this time. If someone in the region becomes unwell to the point of requiring hospitalisation, that person will in the first instance be transferred to Adelaide to the specialist treatment centres in place,” Mr King said.
He said governments had rolled out a range of measures during the past couple of weeks to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“The measures are becoming quite specific and targeted and while they do alter life as we know it, they are essential measures and must be taken seriously because we need to be serious about stopping COVID-19,” the regional health leader said.
“The board strongly endorses all the measures being put in place by our governments and we call on all members of the Limestone Coast community to follow instructions and do the right thing.”
In particular, Mr King called on people to follow self-isolation directions from health professionals and follow strict social distancing protocols.
“If you are in self-isolation – do it seriously, observe social distancing,” Mr King added.
“Do not gather in groups and keep washing hands well. This pandemic is serious and can really hurt. Never has there been a more important time or need for us to take it very, very seriously.
“The sooner we all do the right thing by our families, friends and community and I mean do the right thing, the sooner we can look forward to putting coronavirus behind us.”
The regional COVID-19 Incident Management Team – headquartered at Mount Gambier Hospital – is continuing to be at the forefront of planning for all health facilities across the region.
“Our team is constantly being updated by state health authorities,” Mr King explained.
“The team is preparing capability and support to assist people and to align with the state response to this disease.”
According to the state’s chief medical officer Associate Professor Dr Nicola Spurrier, the majority of new cases yesterday were linked to cruise ships.
She said South Australia had one of the highest testing rates in the world and was confident health authorities were picking up new cases.
The Limestone Coast health network governing board held its monthly meeting yesterday where board members canvassed COVID-19 pandemic at length as well as number of other items.
