A family experiencing first-hand what it's like to deal with COVID have praised the small community of Cudal for its support.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
David Wiltshire, 19, received a text saying he had tested positive for the virus on September 2. It marked the first COVID-19 case for the town of Cudal.
His dad Greg Wiltshire, who lives in the same house along with wife Liz, said the community has been amazing.
"At first there was nervousness and we were more worried about other people," he said.
"David's employed by a local tradie and because all the boys now have 14 days in isolation as close contacts to him, they've been having Zoom welfare meetings. I also run a small lawnmowing business where my son helps me and my father helps so they've been in contact with each other. It has a pretty big impact on a small community pretty quick."
As of Thursday, neither parent has tested positive, thanks in part to the fact David is isolating away from the rest of the family in the house.
"It doesn't change too much because he's a teenager," the dad said jokingly about David having to spent almost all his day in his room.
"My wife's obviously nervous and we want to go and check on him," Mr Wiltshire added.
"We're literally dropping meals at his door and knocking, and he's got to have a big tub of bleach in his room that he puts his dirty dishes into. There's a lot of things you wouldn't think you have to be careful about.
"If it was a younger kid it would be impossible. But given the fact he's a teenager and likes to do his own thing anyway (it's been ok)."
All three have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with the dad having received two doses early on as he works in disability support. The teenager picked up the virus as a close contact of another known case and tracing from that has been thorough. His only symptom so far has been a slight cough.
Mr Wiltshire hopes speaking out will encourage others to get tested and vaccinated.
"We did everything right, it was just unfortunate. The key was we were very honest," the dad said.
"It was obviously going to come out that someone had it and we thought we would be proactive and encourage the other people to get vaccinated."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Catch up on our news headlines at Google News