Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

This page has been established to provide relevant information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) for the Murrumbidgee Council community.

It will be regularly updated as relevant information comes to hand.

For Messages from our Mayor, Cr Ruth McRae, click here.

What's happening in our Council area?

In line with Government COVID-19 restrictions, there has been a number of disruptions to Murrumbidgee Council facilities and services (please see the table below).

These closures have been made closely following any advice provided by the Federal and State health authorities. These changes have been made to keep our staff and our community safe and to slow the spread of the virus across the nation.

We apologise for this unavoidable, but necessary, inconvenience and will return to normal services when advised by the government that it is safe to do so.

Media releases that Council has issued.

Daily updates from Murrumbidgee Local Health District

Border closure - Victoria

BORDER CLOSURE

Due to COVID-19, the NSW Government closed the border with Victoria from 12:01 am Wednesday 8 July to protect the health of the NSW community.

Permits

Service NSW is operating the permit application system for people to be allowed entry to NSW from Victoria.

The Public Health Orders, also now finalised, set out the conditions in which people are eligible to apply for a permit, including those in cross-border communities.

More information on border closures and online permit applications visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Preventative measures

The Australian and State Governments have introduced strict social distancing rules and we all must adhere to them to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in our community. >> Read more.

It's also vitally important to maintain good hygiene practices:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub (for 20-30 seconds).
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Maintain social distancing - maintain at least 1.5 metres between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay at home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.

Feeling unwell? Get tested!

MLHD have produced a useful guide on testing options. Download here.

Anyone who feels unwell should be tested.

Testing is critical to help minimise the risk of community to community transmission and to stop the spread. People are required to self-isolated after the test until their result is received, this usually takes around 48 hours and can be received via text message.

CALL THE HOTLINE

Members of the community can call the Murrumbidgee Covid-19 hotline (open every day from 7 am – 9 pm) on 1800 831 099 to arrange an appointment at their nearest testing centre, whether that be a clinic or a GP practice. Tests undertaken at any of the MLHD’s testing clinics are FREE and completely confidential.

GP TESTING

The community can also access COVID testing through local General Practitioners (GP) or at the Commonwealth funded GP-Led Respiratory Clinic in Gundagai, Young, Griffith, Wagga Wagga or Deniliquin.

Bookings for the Griffith testing clinic in the grounds of 105 Binya Street can be made on 6962 7661 or via https://bit.ly/3g3Nb44.

Bookings for the Deniliquin testing clinic can be made online at https://bit.ly/36fQ1OL or by calling 0481 531 483.

Bookings for Wagga Wagga: https://bit.ly/3e4sgMx

DROP IN TO A MOBILE CLINIC

The Murrumbidgee Mobile Testing Clinic travels throughout our health region.

Location

Time

Date

Jerilderie MPS

33-39 Southey St, Jerilderie

1.45 pm – 2.45 pm

5 August 2020

MLHD urges people not to wait for a mobile visit, but to call the COVID hotline on 1800 831 099 to book an appointment if they feel the slightest bit unwell.As restrictions begin to ease, it's more important than ever to get tested if you have any symptoms.

None of us want to see heavier restrictions put back in place, so there are three important messages from government to remember; stick to social distancing, get tested if you are feeling unwell with any symptoms, and pop the CovidSafe App on your phone so we can track any cases should they occur.

After your swab has been taken it’s sent away for testing and you will know the results in a couple of days.

You can also call Healthdirect 1800 022 222

Looking after our mental health and well-being

We are susceptible to many different infectious diseases, including coronavirus (COVID-19).

Worrying about diseases is a normal reaction. But, excessive worrying about infectious diseases can affect both our physical and our mental health.

Visit the Head to Health Australian Government website for practical psychological skills to help you and your loved ones cope with anxiety and worry about infectious diseases, links to agencies and other useful information.

Other resources:

List of Domestic Violence Counselling services: White Ribbon or telephone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Staying up-to-date with the latest information

The situation with COVID-19 has been very fluid, with constant updates and announcements.

You are best to obtain your advice about COVID-19 from the Federal and State departments of health. This information is current and reliable.

Health Updates

NSW Health: Website or call the 24/7 NSW COVID-19 Hotline on 13 77 88.

Australian Government Department of Health:

Website

Regular updates

Disability Information Helpline

National Coronavirus Health Information line on 1800 020 080.

MyAusCovid-19 app - Migration Council Australia (MCA) has developed a Government sponsored multilingual resource for Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities about COVID-19, its impact and available support.

The following languages are available in the app: English, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese, Korean, Punjabi, Tamil, Thai, Japanese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog, Indonesian, French, Spanish, Khmer, Turkish, Persian, Dari, Karen S’gaw, Burmese and Dari.

World Health Organisation (WHO)

WHO has lots of information on their website. You can learn more about: