Goulburn hospital ready for COVID-19 care but vaccination remains key

Goulburn hospital is prepared for an increase in COVID-19 in the region with rapid swab tests ready to go. Front line staff have been vaccinated and undergone extensive training.

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A Southern NSW Local Health District spokesperson said the hospital could support people through virtual care and monitor them in their homes.

They said Goulburn hospital was also fully able to provide COVID-19 inpatient care at an early stage with isolation areas set up.

"At any time we are expecting there could be a COVID patient walk into the hospital," the spokesperson said.

"If people are really sick and require specialist support they will be transported to a higher level hospital."

COVID positive cases requiring intensive care would be transported to the nearest available hospital. The spokesperson said this would most likely be in Canberra or Sydney.

While the state average is at 53 per cent fully vaccinated, the Goulburn region sits at 44.5 per cent.

Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman said she was concerned about the vaccination rate in the region.

"We need the Goulburn electorate to be on par with the state average," she said.

"Now is not the time to hold a brand preference, the best vaccine is the one you can put in your arm today.

"I am pleased to have secured a permanent vaccination clinic in Goulburn and encourage residents to walk-in and get vaccinated as soon as possible."

The MP thanked every GP clinic, pharmacy and health worker who had done an "excellent job" in the vaccine roll out.

"New appointments are being added every day through the eligibility checker and Moderna supplies to pharmacies are imminent," Ms Tuckerman said.

Officer in charge of Goulburn Police Station Inspector Matthew Hinton said the Goulburn region had one of the lowest vaccine rates across the South East area of the state.

The police officer said this was concerning due to an increased number of positive cases in the community.

Inspector Hinton said the most commonly asked question in the community was: "When will restrictions ease?"

"When our vaccination rates are high, when there are no positive cases in the community and when we know the source," he said.

"The real key is the vaccination rate.

"Restrictions can't ease until the seesaw swings in the opposite direction."

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk urged residents to make a "final push" and get vaccinated to "enable us to begin opening up our local businesses and get back to seeing family and friends and doing the things you love".

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