Health District 'as prepared as humanly possible'

Central Coast Local Health District chief executive Dr Andrew Montague says the District is as "prepared as humanly possible" for a potential coronavirus outbreak.

"I want to assure the community that the District is well prepared," he said.

"We have a clear pandemic plan in place that outlines all the measures that we need to take.

"That includes staffing requirements and supply of medical stock and equipment and I believe we are really well placed at the moment.

"Staff have been working hard to ensure the district is as prepared as humanly possible," Dr Montague said.

In wake of the region's 38 confirmed cases of coronavirus (as of March 26), Dr Montague said the District was urging the community to remain calm and to be stringent with their social distancing, self isolation and hygiene.

"The District's response to coronavirus is that it is here on the Coast and that anyone at risk of infection will be contacted by the District Public Health Unit," Dr Montague said.

Dr Montague said anyone concerned that they might have Coronavirus should consult their doctor or Health Direct for assessment but should take note of the following symptoms and risk factors.

"The things people should look out for are respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose and a fever above 37.5 degrees.

"Anyone who has travelled overseas in the past fortnight or come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed as positive for coronavirus should be looking at coming to one of our testing clinics at either Gosford or Wyong Hospitals.

SOURCE:

Interview, 16 Mar 2020

Dr Andrew Montague, Central Coast Health

Reporter: Dilon Luke