Monitor for symptoms if just back from overseas
HEALTH authorities are urging anyone recently returning from overseas to be aware of symptoms of the Covid-19 virus after two more cases of the disease in NSW were confirmed over the weekend.
A man in his 40s and a woman in her 50s, who returned to Sydney on different flights from Iran on February 22 and February 23 respectively, have both been admitted to hospital.
Anyone returning from Iran, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand is urged to be vigilant in monitoring themselves for respiratory symptoms or fever.
IT looks increasingly likely that the Covid-19 outbreak will be declared a worldwide pandemic.
On Sunday two new cases of Covid-19 were identified in NSW, although a NSW Health spokesperson said four earlier confirmed cases in this State, have all been released from medical care.
She said that while more than 2,200 suspected cases had been cleared in NSW, just over 200 cases remained under investigation.
Just three days earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the Federal Government had begun implementing a Coronavirus Emergency Response Plan.
However he urged people to keep enjoying public gatherings including the football, cricket, concerts and to “go out for a Chinese meal”.
“The actions we’re now taking in being prepared even further, is to ensure that we can respond immediately when the virus moves to the next level,” he said.
Also encouraging the community to continue to support local Chinese-Australia businesses including restaurants and retail shops, Federal MP for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin, also urged people to be wary of misinformation on social media and messaging apps.
She said residents in the area had nothing to fear.
“Everyone can be assured that it is safe to shop and eat out, and to go about their daily lives,” she said.
Councillor Kun Huang said while it was unfortunate that Lunar New Year celebrations planned for Auburn on February 1 had to be postponed, the decision was made in the public interest.
“Cumberland Council will be celebrating lunar new year, just not now,” he said.
However he also highlighted a rise in racism against Chinese Australia, pointing out that the disease did not target particular races or ethnicity.
“Any racism remarks or behaviour should not be tolerated and must be called out,” he said.
