Sydney, Public health experts and community leaders are urging community members to stay at home, as new COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Dr Leena Gupta, Clinical Director of Public Health in Sydney Local Health District says we can keep our families and each other `safe by following the tightened COVID-19 movement and gathering restrictions.
“Please do not leave the house unless is absolutely necessary. You should not have visitors to your home at this time. If you do need care or assistance you should only have one person visiting your home to help.
“It is important our community to be aware that additional restrictions are now in place. Only one person per household can leave the home for shopping, and browsing in shops is prohibited; when exercising outdoors you must stay within 10kms from home, and all outdoor gatherings are limited to two people, excluding members of the same household. Remember it is important not to share a car ride with people outside of your household.
“The virus is continuing to spread in our communities. We need people to be alert and get tested if you have any symptoms,” she said.
“If you have any symptoms at all, like a sore throat, cough, fever, or runny nose, get tested straight away and then go straight home and stay there until you get your result. You should not go to work or go out for exercise or food while you are waiting for the result of your test. When isolating, don’t share a room or bathroom if possible, keep 1.5 metres apart, and wear a mask when in the same room as others. Also, don’t share household items such as towels, bedding or dishes. You may need to isolate for 14 days if you are identified as a contact of a COVID-19 case.
Rishi Acharya, Nepalese Community Leader in NSW, encourages everyone to follow the government restrictions.
“We know taking care of family and friends is very important. You may think you are doing the right thing by visiting your loved ones, or helping around the house instead of isolating. But you are increasing the risk of spreading the virus. Please stay at home and stay safe.
“We know this is hard. But we also know that it works. COVID-19 is a dangerous virus. Together, we can stop the spread.
For more information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
