The region's first confirmed patient with COVID-19 has mild symptoms and is in self-isolation at home according to the district's public health director.
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Curtis Gregory said the affected person was a returned traveller, who had had contact with another confirmed case, but had been in isolation since returning to Australia.
The person had tested positive to the virus on Sunday night, and had not required hospitalisation.
Mr Gregory said the health district was "confident" that all those who'd had contact with the person had been traced, and informed, and that there was no ongoing risk to the public.
He said the health district would not provide private details, such as the location of anyone diagnosed with COVID-19, as it was a breach of patient privacy and served no public health benefit.
"We need people to feel confident coming forward to be tested - information is key, and co-operation is key," he said.
Mr Gregory said while figures varied, up to a dozen people in the region were in self-isolation awaiting COVID-19 test results.
He said the establishment of the region's first dedicated COVID-19 Assessment Clinic at Wollongong Hospital on Monday would provide more access to testing.
NSW Health also would not confirm which hospital or health service the infected person had presented at, or when the traveller had returned to Australia.
"NSW Health are contacting people who have had close contact with all confirmed cases."
The health department reiterated that there are a few simple things everyone can do to help keep themselves and others safe:
- keep your hands clean by washing them often with soap and water or using hand sanitiser
- avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose as the virus can enter your body if it's on your hands and you rub your eyes or touch your nose or mouth
- maintain social distance when you can, 1.5 metres between you and others is good
- if you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others
- sneeze and cough into your elbow rather than your hand
- use disposable tissues
- keep your distance from those who are coughing and sneezing
- stay home if you are unwell and call, not visit, your own GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice.
NSW Health said the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District had well-established plans for handling respiratory infections, like COVID-19 and influenza.
"These plans are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect the latest advice and research," the statement said.
"Staff are trained in world's best practice for infection control and prevention which helps to keep our patients, visitors and staff safe."
