EDITORIAL
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If you need proof that the coronavirus fight is not yet won, turn your attention to Victoria.
Yesterday, that state (which is less than two hours by road from Wagga and borders our health district) recorded 75 new COVID-19 cases - the biggest daily jump since March 31.
Only one of those new cases was in hotel quarantine, with the majority coming from previously identified Melbourne hotspots.
In our region, there have been no new coronavirus cases for some time and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District wants to ensure that remains the case.
Throughout the pandemic, the MLHD has recorded low numbers of positive cases and the region's last community acquired transmission was in early April.
Yesterday, MLHD public health director Tracey Oakman used the spike in cases in Melbourne to warn residents to "be really careful".
"It's very important for communities to continue to be vigilant, especially in light of easing restrictions and more people travelling," Ms Oakman said.
"With the recent outbreaks in Melbourne and the school holidays approaching in July, transmission could spread quite easily to our region."
The MLHD has already acted quickly to prevent any spread - last week it banned anyone who has been in Melbourne in the past 14 days from visiting its facilities, with additional screening requirements for visitors also put in place.
A number of MLHD staff have also been asked not to work for a fortnight if they have travelled to Melbourne.
More generally, the health district has urged anyone who has returned from the Victorian capital and has even the mildest symptoms to seek testing for COVID-19. Mobile testing has increased along the border.
Wednesday heralds the start of a further easing of restrictions in NSW and we must ensure similar spikes are not seen here.
Social distancing measures are the new normal.
Keep physical distance from others (don't stand right behind someone in the checkout line, and give people space when you walk past them), follow the rules around gatherings and wash your hands frequently.
As seen here in the Riverina, if everyone follows a few small rules it can make a big difference in the fight against coronavirus.
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