Murrumbidgee Local Health District are taking the necessary precautions to continue their vigilance with COVID-19 response, in retaliation to the increased number of cases in Melbourne.
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All visitors to Murrumbidgee facilities will undergo additional screening, with that ruling extending to staff members, who are required to be symptom-free for 14 days before returning to work if they have travelled to Melbourne.
MLHD's Public Health Director, Tracey Oakman, urges people to get tested for COVID-19 if they have any symptoms. The common cold and COVID-19 share a number of symptoms and there is no way to spot the difference, only a COVID test can.
"Detecting the virus early is a priority for the Murrumbidgee and will help us to detect an outbreak and stop the spread," Ms Oakman said.
"High testing rates enable us to quickly identify any community transmission of COVID-19."
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Throughout the pandemic, Murrumbidgee has recorded low numbers of positive cases and very few community acquired transmissions, the last being in early April.
"It's very important for communities to continue to be vigilant, especially in light of easing restrictions and more people travelling.
"With the recent outbreaks in Melbourne and the school holidays approaching in July, transmission could spread quite easily to our region."
MLHD urges people to maintain COVID-19 safety protocols by practicing good hand hygiene, physical distancing and staying at home if you are unwell.
If you are showing any symptoms, please call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline for a free test on 1800 831 099.
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