Orange's fourth case of coronavirus was confirmed on Thursday after a man in his 30s tested positive.
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The latest Orange coronavirus patient was identified as having been in contact with a previously-confirmed case and, on commencement of symptoms, was isolated.
Bathurst also has its first confirmeda coronavirus case with a man in his 30s now at home in self-isolation.
A WNSWLHD spokeswoman said both new cases were confirmed on Wednesday with the Bathurst man recently returning from overseas.
It brings the total number of cases in the Western NSW Local Health District to five after three other Orange cases were diagnosed last week.
The spokeswoman said the first three cases were continuing to recover.
WNSWLHD Public Health Unit has contacted all close contacts of the two new cases and advised them to self-isolate for 14 days.
- Western NSW LHD spokeswoman
The WNSWLHD has the most cases outside of coastal NSW areas and the only cases west of the Blue Mountains.
As of Thursday there have been no cases across southern NSW or the far west.
"WNSWLHD Public Health Unit has contacted all close contacts of the two new cases and advised them to self-isolate for 14 days from when they were last with the confirmed case," she said.
"They have also been advised to seek medical attention should they experience symptoms."
"Identifying close contacts ensures that those people who may be at risk take the necessary steps to avoid any further transmission," the WNSWLHD spokeswoman said.
Testing is currently available only for people who are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 and who have also either travelled overseas within the last 14 days, or had contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
She said anyone who did not meet the criteria should stay away from Orange hospital and its fever clinic.
The spokeswoman said it was essential that everyone plays a part in containing the spread of COVID-19 by practising good hygiene measures including:
- Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home if you are sick.
People should also practise social distancing, which aims to reduce potential for transmission. It includes:
- Avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others
- Avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces, for example family celebrations
- Attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people where possible, for example when they are out and about in a public place.
- Avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people and avoiding visiting vulnerable people in aged care facilities or hospitals.
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