As at 8pm on Friday, April 17, an additional 10 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in NSW since 8pm on Thursday, April 16, bringing the state’s total to 2,936
During that time, 5,152 people were tested, around 160 more tests compared to the previous 24 hours.
There are currently 253 COVID-19 cases being treated by NSW Health which includes 25 people being treated in intensive care units, with 18 of those requiring ventilators.
NSW Health reported today that there have been two more deaths, confirmed to have been related to COVID-19, in the past 24 hours.
One of those was a 58-year-old female who suffered a range of co-morbidities and died in Tamworth Hospital on 16 April. A test, available yesterday, showed she was positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall confirmed Moree’s first COVID-19 case yesterday.
“Earlier this evening (yesterday), I was informed about the first confirmed coronavirus case within the Moree Plains Shire,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is the first new case within the Northern Tablelands in more than a week, taking the total current COVID-19 cases to 6.
“The individual had presented at Moree Hospital earlier this week with symptoms, was transferred to Tamworth Hospital, where they remain in isolation, with the positive test result coming back today.
“It has not been determined yet how this person acquired COVID-19, but investigations are underway.
“As a result, people who had some contact with this individual have also been tested and awaiting results.”
Moree Plains Shire Council mayor Katrina Humphries addressed the news today.
“Whilst overnight our community had some news we hoped we would never have to share, the sun has risen in the east as it will continue to,” she said.
“None of us have been informed who the unfortunate Moree COVID-19 patient is, who is currently being treated in Tamworth. This information will not be publicly shared. However, it is open to that patient and their family to let us know who they are so the growing angst in the community might be allayed.
“Over past months, preparations have been made to ready the Australian community for incidents of COVID-19 and we are incredibly proud that the Moree Plains has not had to rely on these best-made plans to date.
“This has changed now.
“The work needed to identify the close contacts of the Moree COVID-19 patient are already underway. If you are a close contact, you will be contacted (if this has not already taken place). And we should place confidence in this system of contact tracing – it is why Australia finds itself in such a different position as compared to some of the world’s power houses – America, the UK, Italy and Spain. Our best-made plans are proving very effective.
“So team Moree Plains, we will get through this upheaval; we need to be caring for our elderly neighbours, families and friends so they don’t have to venture out too much and be put at risk. Let’s be sensible, not paranoid and follow the advice of the experts. Remember also, that many more people have recovered from COVID-19 than have passed away, small relief for many but nonetheless a fact. We need to give our health system the opportunity to do their job and nurse our community through this.
“God bless our health care workers and front line first responders and please, I again ask that you give every bit of assistance to those that ask it of us.”
