While there are no cases of coronavirus in the Leeton Shire area, the town's hospital has prepared to treat patients who may be diagnosed with the disease.
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As of 8pm on March 25, 13 cases of COVID-19 have been found in the MLHD area but the Leeton local government area is yet to see their first confirmed case.
One case has been confirmed in Griffith, with four cases in Albury, three cases in Wagga Wagga, two cases in the Greater Hume and Federation areas and one case in Cootamundra-Gundagai.
Leeton District Hospital's cluster manager Karen Absolom said the hospital is "well prepared to care for people who may be diagnosed" with COVID-19.
"We have plans in place for the treatment and care of any one who may have contracted the virus and needs to be admitted to our hospital," Ms Absolom said.
"An isolation area has been identified and we are well supported on the ground by teams of infection control personnel.
"District speciality infection control nurses are out and about in our hospital providing support to front-line staff to maximise the safety of our healthcare workers and the community."
Ms Absolom said patients who show mild to moderate symptoms can be managed at home with the support of their GP as well as virtual health services from MLHD.
"Those who are more unwell may be admitted to an appropriate local hospital," Ms Absolom said.
"Our Base Hospitals are equipped to support people with severe COVID-19 symptoms."
Ms Absolom encouraged community members to do all they can to minimise the transmission of disease and look to trusted sources for the correct information regarding the virus.
"We have heard rumours of unverified reported cases," Ms Absolom said.
"Spreading misinformation about COVID-19 is dangerous and only the facts should be told.
"We ask members of the public to remain calm and be vigilant in their hand hygiene and practice social distancing."
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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