The first confirmed case of COVID-19 has been found in the MIA, as the Murrumbidgee Local Health District announced nine new cases of the virus throughout the health district.
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On Wednesday morning, MLHD confirmed a total of 10 cases have been found within the health district area as of 5pm on March 24, with the new cases found in the local government areas of Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Federation, Albury and Cootamundra-Gundagai.
There is yet to be a confirmed case of the virus in the Leeton Shire area.
Of the nine new cases, only one case has been confirmed in Griffith.
Two cases have been confirmed in Wagga and Federation, while Albury has three new cases bringing their total to four.
Cootamundra-Gundagai also only has one confirmed case.
"All cases notified were diagnosed after travelling overseas or being in contact with a confirmed case," a statement from MLHD read.
"All patients have experienced mild to moderate symptoms and are in self-isolation to ensure they do not transmit the virus.
"They are being managed at home with the support of their GP and a daily check up with local health services."
MLHD's public health unit is in the process of interviewing confirmed cases to determine their movements while they were infectious, with individuals who have been identified as close contacts being directed to self-isolate for 14 days after they were last in contact with the confirmed case.
A total of 987 people in the health district area have been tested for COVID-19 as of 5pm on March 24.
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Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, sore throat, cough or a shortness of breath.
Community members are recommended to reduce travel, increase personal awareness of hand hygiene and employ social distancing.
Those who are concerned they may have contracted the disease are advised to call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 or the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 831 099, where patients will be triaged and if testing is warranted, will be booked into an appointment based on location or contact your GP to arrange an appointment, letting them know in advance if you have symptoms.
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