Last week NSW reached an important milestone in the fight against COVID-19 – one million tests.
Just how critical this milestone is cannot be overstated.
I want to thank you all – staff and the community – for coming forward and getting tested no matter how mild your symptoms. This has saved lives.
I also want to thank you, our state’s hardworking health and support staff who are keeping us safe.
Testing is crucial for two reasons.
It allows us to confirm diagnosis and manage patients with COVID-19. It also provides us with an opportunity to detect cases in the community at the earliest possible stage, which helps to limit further spread.
If you’ve watched any of the media conferences held throughout this pandemic – you’ve probably heard me repeat my message calling on you all to ‘get tested’. This is very important.
Testing is rapidly detecting cases linked to the Crossroads Hotel in Casula and other venues. There is a list of venues that have recently been visited by confirmed COVID-19 cases – please check this list regularly.
If you visited the Crossroads Hotel, Casula (3-10 July), Picton Hotel (4, 5, 9, 10 July) or Planet Fitness Gym, Casula (4-10 July) you should immediately self-isolate for 14-days since you last visited the venue and get tested, even if you do not have any symptoms. You must complete the full 14-day self-isolation period, even if you return a negative test result during this time, and get re-tested if you do develop symptoms.
We are at a critical point in the fight to contain COVID-19. Let me reiterate:
As we move through 2020, you may need to get tested again – perhaps three or four times. We encourage you to do so – no matter how mild your symptoms.
Please also continue to follow the personal hygiene recommendations and remember to physically distance. You can find the latest information on COVID-19 via the NSW Health website.
