FAR West Local Health District has put further precautions in place as respiratory illnesses rise calling for a Code Yellow.
The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows 3475 people in New South Wales testing positive for COVID-19 in the week ending 14 June, an increase of more than 10 per cent compared with the previous week.
The upswing in COVID-19 has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise and at moderate levels in NSW.
According to the Surveillance Report, in the past week there was an increase of 10.2 per cent in COVID-19 notifications, an increase of 18.9 per cent in influenza notifications, and a decrease of 13.8 per cent in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) notifications.
In the Far West Local Health District, there were 10 documented cases of COVID, three for influenza and five for RSV.
“The health and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, and staff at Far West Local Health District facilities is our top priority,” a FWLHD spokesman said.
“Due to the prevalence of respiratory illnesses circulating in the community, the district has put enhanced infection prevention and control measures in place to help protect patients, visitors, and staff.
“These measures include instructions for all staff to wear surgical masks as a minimum in clinical and patient facing areas and a reminder to stay home if unwell with respiratory symptoms.”
All visitors to Far West LHD facilities are requested to wear surgical masks in clinical and patient facing areas if able and patients should wear a surgical mask on presentation and during transit if able.
Other important preventative measures include continuation of hand hygiene practices and continued regular cleaning of shared spaces to prevent the spread of viruses in the workplace.
“We appreciate the understanding of our patients and visitors attending our facilities in helping to prevent the spread of respiratory illness during this period,” the spokesman said.
Most people with COVID-19 do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus.
“While most people have already received their primary course of COVID-19 vaccinations, we’re urging people, especially those aged 65 and over, to get a booster to protect themselves,” Health Protection NSW executive director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said.
“COVID-19 is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors, or are immunocompromised. Importantly if you do fall ill, you can always call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free, instant health advice and for access to antivirals if you are eligible.”
