Council Welcomes Increased Local Testing for COVID-19

15 Apr 2020 12:28 PM -

Leeton Shire Council has welcomed news from the Murrumbidgee Local Health Care District that screening criteria for COVID-19 has been broadened to enable more people to be tested for the virus.  

Council’s Mayor Paul Maytom said this is a positive move that will enable health services to identify quickly who may have contracted COVID-19 and ensure any infected persons receive the care they need to have the best chance of recovery.

“Increased testing will assist in identifying and isolating known cases to slow the rate of transmission and ultimately save lives,” said Councillor Paul Maytom.

“It will also assist authorities to undertake contact tracing to identify anyone that they may have come in contact with to further slow the rate of transmission across communities.”

Councillor Maytom strongly urges any community members who have symptoms of COVID -19 to come forward to be screened for testing. 

Health authorities have advised that the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms will generally appear 3-4 days after exposure to the virus but can be up to 14 days later. 

Anyone who believes they may have contracted the COVID-19 virus should call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099 (open every day from 7am – 9pm) for a confidential over the phone assessment.

Councillor Maytom also reminds community members that even though we don’t yet have any confirmed cases in Leeton, it is extremely important for everyone to remain vigilant during the COVID-19 pandemic to help slow the spread of the virus and save lives.

“This includes staying home as much as possible, practicing good hygiene such as regular hand washing and using disinfectant where possible, ensuring social distancing and following all government regulations that are currently in place,” said Councillor Maytom.