The Murrumbidgee Local Health District is urging the Wagga community to remain vigilant against COVID-19 after a number of local exposure sites were announced this week, with the potential for more to come.
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At the same time, Police confirmed that two teenagers from Wollongong had tested positive for COVID after being arrested near Gundagai on Tuesday following a car chase.
MLHD executive director of medical services Dr Len Bruce said that contact tracing of the two individuals is ongoing and will take time.
"There could be more exposure sites that come to light, so it's important that the community of Wagga [are vigilant]," he said.
Dr Bruce said he was "extremely concerned" following the announcement of exposure sites across the city this week.
IN OTHER NEWS:
As of Thursday evening the MLHD has announced four exposure sites in Wagga and one in Junee, all dated between Sunday, September 26 and Monday, September 27.
On Wednesday Aussie Disposals, Kmart and Bunnings in Wagga were announced as exposure sites, and on Thursday Big Barber in Wagga's Sturt Mall and Junee Hotel were added to the growing list.
"The exposure sites that have been identified today (Thursday) are all premises [that were] attended by those individuals," Dr Bruce said.
He is urging anyone in the community with even the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing as soon as possible.
Anyone who visited the following venues at the times listed is considered a casual contact and should immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is returned.
- Wagga Big Barber Sturt Mall, 135 Baylis Street - Sunday September 26, 12:30pm - 1.15pm
- Junee Hotel, 17-21 Seignior Street - Sunday September 26, 5:50pm - 8:00pm
- Wagga Kmart, 135-143 Baylis Street - Monday September 27, 6:15pm - 7:15pm AND Sunday September 26, 12:00pm - 12:45pm
- Wagga Bunnings, Cnr Dobney and Pearson Street - Monday September 27, 1:10pm - 1:30pm
- Wagga Aussie Disposals, 154 Baylis Street - Sunday September 26, 12:45pm - 1:05pm.
Dr Bruce also suggested that the two COVID-positive individuals at Wagga Base remain there for observation following their car accident, rather than for symptoms of the virus.
"Both of the individuals were involved in a car accident and it's quite common for us to keep patients in hospital for observation [and] make sure that we review them a day or so after the accident to make sure nothing has been missed," he said.
Dr Bruce said the situation has been "disappointing".
"It is disappointing when individuals do not do the right thing and then expose a large community that actually has been doing the right thing for a number of months," he said.
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Emily Wind
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
