The Delta COVID-19 outbreak has created "significant challenges" for the health system. While the health district identified multiple exposure sites in Goulburn yesterday, the details of other possible exposure sites in the region were "not of public concern".
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A Southern NSW Local Health District spokeswoman said "plenty of venues" were not publicly identified. She said the venues were "not of public concern".
The spokeswoman said that if contract tracers were able to get in touch with all possible close contacts the information was not released to the public.
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Meanwhile, an Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District spokesperson said NSW Health did not disclose details about venues of concern unless there was a public health reason.
"When a confirmed COVID-19 case attends a venue while possibly infectious, NSW Health carries out a risk assessment on that venue to determine whether other people may have been exposed, and whether there is a public health risk," they said.
"NSW Health takes proactive steps to contact all close contacts of the case, to give advice on testing, isolation, symptoms to be aware of, and their level of risk.
"Where a high-risk exposure venue is identified from the case interview, QR code information is used to identify and inform people who may have been exposed at that venue."
They said COVID-19 case locations were published on the NSW Government's website and the health district's Facebook page.
However, NSW Health acknowledged that the Delta outbreak and growing case numbers had created "significant challenges for the health system, including the public health response".
"The capacity of public health teams is closely monitored and continues to be expanded to meet the increasingly high demand," the spokesperson said.
"Across NSW Health, including public health units around the state, there are currently more than 1000 staff working to contract trace confirmed COVID-19 cases and contacts, including support from the Australian Defence Force.
"COVID-19 case numbers, including the number of cases in specific Local Government Areas, are advised daily at the 11am press conference. The health district also publishes daily updates on its website about local cases."
All people who are diagnosed with COVID-19 self-isolate to ensure there is no ongoing risk of infection to others in the community.
Close contacts are asked to get tested, and complete 14 days' self-isolation, even if their initial test result is negative.
Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath, is urged to immediately get tested. Even people with mild symptoms, such as fatigue, new muscle aches or pains, a change in taste or smell or a new runny nose, should arrange testing as quickly as possible.
To help stop the spread of COVID-19:
- If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away - don't delay.
- Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
- Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
- Wear a mask at all times when outside your home, except when exercising.
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