Health authorities prepared for any local coronavirus developments

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as Coronavirus) in the Hunter New England region.

“Over 3000 people have been tested for possible COVID-19 across NSW, including Hunter New England,” a Hunter New England Local Health District spokesperson said in a statement to The Courier.

The Courier had sought information on the measures which would be triggered if there is an incidence of infection in our shire – do Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri hospitals have plans in place?

“While we are currently continuing to contain the spread of the virus, increasing international spread means that a pandemic, including local transmission is quite possible and planning has begun.

“NSW Health regularly briefs Local Health District chief executives, including Hunter New England Chief Executive Michael DiRienzo on the COVID-19 situation in NSW,” the spokesperson said.

“The LHD’s public health unit works closely with clinicians in preparing for public health emergencies including exercising various scenarios to maximise preparedness.

“All hospitals in the Hunter New England Local Health District are equipped to treat a person with COVID-19.

“Hunter New England Local Health District is reviewing and revising its pandemic plan in response to COVID-19.

“As part of this, there is enhanced triaging in our Emergency Departments (EDs), with broad screening of all presenting patients.

“EDs are also undertaking random drills to ensure staff readiness.

“We are working with all staff to increase attention to hand hygiene, cough etiquette and respiratory preparedness as well as the application of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

“With convergence with the flu season likely, the District has also begun recruitment of additional winter nursing casual staff.

“Whenever the District is unable to secure medical coverage, contingency plans such as STAH (Small Town After Hours) are in place to ensure safe and appropriate care continues for our patients.

“Staff in our smaller facilities also have 24/7 support, via Telehealth, from senior medical officers in our larger, networked hospitals for specialised advice and intervention.

“A one-stop website for the community and health professionals is available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

“The website is updated daily and helps the community find the facts about COVID-19, including the best ways to protect themselves and their families.

“The best way to protect your community is to practice good hand hygiene, cover your sneezes and coughs and stay home from work or study if you feel unwell.

“The business community has an important role to play, including getting their business continuity plans in place and examining things like flexible working practices for staff.

“Everyone should practice good prevention – including staying home and away from other people if you are unwell with respiratory symptoms, using cough etiquette – including covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or coughing into a tissue and disposing of it, and cleaning your hands regularly throughout the day with soap and running water for 20 seconds or an alcohol-based hand rub.”