Merewether Ridge Street Surgery in Newcastle, New South Wales | Doctor

Merewether Ridge Street Surgery

Locality: Newcastle, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4963 5187

Address: 54 Ridge Street 2291 Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.ridgestreet.com.au

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25.01.2022 Wearing a mask is only effective to stop the spread of COVID-19 if it is worn properly. Avoid these common errors

25.01.2022 National Toothache Day, which falls on February 9, serves as a kind reminder of the benefits and overall importance of dental hygiene. Toothaches, scientifically known as odontalgia, are exactly what they sound like, the pain generated from either one or multiple teeth. A toothache can make it difficult to eat, sleep, or sometimes even talk. While they are not worth celebrating, we can all celebrate the ways to stop them for good!

25.01.2022 This year we are opening up between Christmas and New Years to any pre-existing patients who will need to be seen urgently. For appointments on these days, you will need to call on the morning at 9am. We hope you have a safe holiday season and look forward to continuing to provide quality & family friendly healthcare into the new year! - The Merewether Ridge Street Surgery Team

25.01.2022 NSW has reported no new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. The last time there were no new locally transmitted cases in N...SW was the 24 hours to 6 October. Four cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,153. There were 6,952 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 12,985 in the previous 24 hours. Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern. NSW is at a critical point, and the only way to find new cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. This is particularly important in South Western Sydney, Western Sydney and South Eastern Sydney where there have been recent locally transmitted cases. Everyone plays an important role in helping to contain the pandemic by getting tested quickly and following social distancing rules. Get tested on the day you get symptoms don’t wait to see if they go away. Assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise by a test, and remember there is no limit on how many tests you can have. Testing is quick, free, and easy and most people receive their test result within 24 hours. If you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19, please come forward for testing right away. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. NSW Health is treating 69 COVID-19 cases, with one patient in intensive care. This patient does not require ventilation. Ninety-six per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. COVID-19 is still likely circulating in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: - If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. - Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. - Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. - Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

22.01.2022 NSW recorded 15 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, and an additional eight cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. ... All 15 locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of this cluster, which now numbers 83. The total number of cases in NSW is 4,582 since the beginning of the pandemic. There were a record 38,578 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 28,210 in the previous 24 hours. This has been the highest amount of COVID-19 testing ever done in a single day. NSW Health thanks the community for their excellent response in coming forward for testing and following public health advice. This is vital to helping us to contain the virus by stopping community transmission. Of the 23 new cases to 8pm last night: 15 cases are locally acquired and linked to the Avalon cluster Eight were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine. COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited many locations throughout Sydney’s northern beaches, lower north shore, eastern and southern suburbs. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. Due to the growing risk from the Avalon outbreak, new restrictions were introduced for Greater Sydney from midnight last night to reduce the risk of further community transmission. These include: Household gatherings are limited to 10 visitors (until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December). The one person per four square metre rule is being re-introduced for all indoor settings, including hospitality venues and places of worship. A cap of 300 people will apply for hospitality venues and places of worship. Singing in indoor venues will now be restricted, returning to a maximum of five performers indoors, provided they are 1.5m from one another and at least 5m from the audience who are not allowed to sing along. Dancefloors will not be permitted, except for weddings, when a maximum of 20 from the wedding party will be permitted. For the purposes of the Order, ‘Greater Sydney’ comprises the following local government areas: Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Wollongong and Woollahra. People in Greater Sydney are also urged not to visit residential aged care facilities, disability services or vulnerable people unless it is critical. This advice will be re-assessed on Wednesday 23 December. People across Greater Sydney are also advised to wear masks in indoor settings such as shops and hospitality venues, in line with advice already issued to those in the Northern Beaches. ‘Stay at home’ orders in place for residents of the Northern Beaches local government area (LGA) will also continue until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December to control the spread of COVID-19. Further clear advice will be provided to the community before Christmas. All residents of the Northern Beaches LGA are required to stay at home, unless permitted to leave for certain reasons, under the Public Health Order issued on Saturday 19 December. Acceptable reasons for leaving home include shopping for food and other essential goods and services; travelling to work or an educational institution if working or studying from home is not possible; exercising; seeking medical care; providing carer’s responsibilities and meeting compassionate needs. It is strongly recommended masks are worn when leaving isolation for these permitted reasons. Any residents of the Northern Beaches LGA who left the area on or since Thursday 10 December 2020 must comply with the same restrictions that apply to the Northern Beaches, regardless of their current location. Non-residents who have visited the Northern Beaches on or after Thursday 10 December should monitor closely for symptoms and get tested if any appear, no matter how mild. Anyone who visited the Northern Beaches since 10 December is also urged to check the NSW Government website for locations visited by confirmed cases and follow the associated health advice for the relevant venues if they have visited any of them: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. This Public Health Order also requires the closing of hospitality venues and function centres in the Northern Beaches LGA, with the exception of businesses offering takeaway food. Gyms and places of worship will also close. Further information on the Public Health Order is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au//what-you-can-and-/northern-beaches Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. NSW Health is treating 80 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (95 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.

22.01.2022 We are still open for business, however we have made some adjustments. Currently phone consults are preferable over face to face consults where possible. What can be done with a phone consult? Scripts, referrals and results can all be organised. If you have a condition that requires you to come in to see one of our doctors face to face, we ask that you call us from the car when you arrive. We also ask that you wear a face-mask if you have one.... If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call between 8:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday on 4963 5187 Stay safe!

21.01.2022 Bowel cancer does not discriminate - it affects men and women equally. If you're 5074, do the test when it arrives in the post.

21.01.2022 UPDATED COVID-19 ALERT - NEWCASTLE POST UPDATED 4.45PM THURSDAY *IMMEDIATELY SELF-ISOLATE AND SEEK TESTING IF YOU WERE AT THESE VENUES DURING THESE TIMES:... Bennett Hotel, Hamilton Friday 31 July, from 5.30pm to 10pm Sydney Junction Hotel, Hamilton Saturday 1 August, from 11pm to 1.15am Sunday 2 August Bar 88, Wests New Lambton Sunday 2 August, from 5pm to 7.15pm. *BE ALERT FOR SYMPTOMS AND SELF-ISOLATE AND SEEK TESTING IMMEDIATELY IF THEY DEVELOP: Greenroof Bar and Restaurant, Hamilton Friday 31 July, from 10.30pm to 12.15am Saturday 1 August Sushi Revolution, Hamilton - Saturday 1 August, from 12 noon to 12.45pm Queens Wharf Hotel Saturday 1 August from 9.30pm to 11pm McDonald Jones Stadium Sunday 2 August, 7:30pm to end of game, Newcastle Jets match.

20.01.2022 NSW has reported one new case of locally transmitted COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, which is linked to a known cluster in south-west Sydney. Two... cases were also reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,246. There were 8,550 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 7,431 in the previous 24 hours. Of the three new cases to 8pm last night: One was locally acquired and linked to a known cluster. Two were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. The locally acquired case is a person who worked three shifts at Jasmins1 Lebanese restaurant at Liverpool while potentially infectious. This case is linked to the Hoxton Park cluster, which now numbers seven cases. NSW Health is advising anyone who worked at or attended the restaurant at 375 Macquarie Street for more than one hour on the following dates and times is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and isolate for a full 14 days from exposure, regardless of the result: - Monday 26 October, 4pm 9pm - Saturday 31 October, 3pm 8pm - Sunday 1 November, 9am 1.45pm Anyone who attended for less than one hour during the above times is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, you must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. The restaurant closed yesterday and will remain so until further notice. NSW Health previously reported that cases attended the restaurant while infectious on Sunday 25 October. NSW Health is urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to get tested. This particularly applies to the people of south-west Sydney, especially those in: - West Hoxton - Hoxton Park - Middleton Grange - Horningsea Park - Carnes Hill - Edmondson Park - Denham Court - Prestons - Busby - Miller NSW Health is treating 75 COVID-19 cases, with one patient in intensive care, who is being ventilated. Ninety-three per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours.

20.01.2022 STUDENTS REQUIRED TO UNDERGO COVID-19 TESTING IF UNWELL By now most parents would have received information from your child's school about COVID-19 testing r...equirements. NSW Health and the NSW Department of Education have requested that schools encourage anyone who is unwell or has even mild flu-like symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics. Students and staff with flu-like symptoms will need to provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result before being permitted to return to school. The NSW Department of Education has confirmed that a screenshot of the text message containing your child's result can be provided to the school. A number of parents have raised some concerns with me about the testing requirement and some schools demanding tests be carried out for students who don't have any flu-like symptoms. If you have any issues with your school, please let me know as soon as possible. Information about measures being implemented at NSW Government schools can be found here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families

19.01.2022 No cases of locally acquired COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Five cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine, bri...nging the total number of cases in NSW to 4,285 since the start of the pandemic. There were 10,058 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 9,499 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health is treating 70 COVID-19 cases. There are no patients in intensive care. Almost all cases, 96 per cent, being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. Testing figures show there has been a good response from the Southern Highlands community to the call for people to get tested, particularly among people living in Moss Vale. NSW Health continues to urge everyone in the state, but especially people in the Southern Highlands, south western Sydney and the Rouse Hill area to come forward for testing, even if they are experiencing only the mildest symptoms, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, or fever, which could signal a COVID-19 infection. This follows the diagnoses of cases in Moss Vale and South Western Sydney recently, and detection of virus fragments in sewage sampled from Rouse Hill on 5 November and Liverpool on 6 November. Testing allows us to prevent onward transmission by helping us identify as many cases in the community as quickly as possible. Every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours.

16.01.2022 1 YEAR ON It's not an anniversary anyone wants to celebrate, but today marks 1 year since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Australia. Th case was con...firmed in Victoria in an international traveller and back then the virus didn’t even have an official name. One year on and there have been almost 30,000 cases in Australia and just over 900 deaths. Many things have changed in our lives, some for good and some for the worse. Since then, NSW Health have provided regular updates and information to the community which has been wonderful. We have seen so many selfless acts by people within our community. What has been your lasting memory from the last 12 months?

14.01.2022 NSW has reported one new case of locally transmitted COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Six cases were also reported in overseas travellers in hotel... quarantine, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,243. There were 7,431 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 14,751 in the previous 24 hours. Though lower testing numbers are generally expected over weekends, NSW Health is urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to come forward for testing. This particularly applies to the people of South West Sydney, where there have been a number of recent cases in the community, especially: West Hoxton Hoxton Park Middleton Grange Horningsea Park Carnes Hill Edmondon Park Denham Court Prestons Busby Miller Most people receive their test results within 24 hours. The locally acquired case, reported in yesterday’s media release but included in today’s numbers as it was notified after the 8pm cut-off on Saturday night, is the sixth case linked to the Hoxton Park cluster. This case is the second child to have likely acquired their infection at Flip Out Prestons Indoor Trampoline Park while there at the same time as a positive case, also a child, on Sunday 25 October. NSW Health is again calling for anyone, including staff and patrons who were at Flip Out Prestons Indoor Trampoline Park, UB/238 Hoxton Park Rd, Prestons on Sunday 25 October 2020, from 11am to 1:50pm to immediately come forward for testing. While infectious, today’s case attended Bambino’s Kindergarten in Horningsea Park on Thursday 29 October and Friday 30 October. Any child or staff member who attended on either or both of these days is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and isolate for a full 14 days from exposure, regardless of the result. The centre is closed today for deep cleaning. Contact tracing and investigations are under way. NSW Health is again calling for anyone, including staff and patrons who were at Jasmins1 Lebanese Restaurant, 375 Macquarie Street, Liverpool, on Sunday 25 October 2020, from 2pm to 3.30pm to immediately come forward for testing. Cases attended the restaurant while infectious on Sunday 25 October and although contact tracing is well underway, details of some people who also attended during this time were not available. Anyone at the restaurant for at least an hour at this time is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and isolate for a full 14 days from exposure regardless of the result. Containing COVID-19 requires hard work from everyone. Business have a particularly important role and must ensure that they have in place and use effective COVID Safety Plans. A critical part of that plan is that businesses are required to keep a record of all staff, patrons and contractors visiting their premises. It is an offence not to comply with the Public Health Order. QR code check in is strongly encouraged as it is a contactless, hygienic method of collecting details digitally. A free QR code check in option is available from Service NSW for businesses and organisations that register as COVID Safe. The prompt supply of information to NSW Health makes contact tracing more efficient and helps stop the spread of COVID-19. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. COVID-19 virus fragments were identified in sewage at a treatment plant in Liverpool yesterday, prompting renewed calls for residents in the area to get tested. The virus fragments were detected through the state’s ongoing sewage surveillance program. Detection of the virus in sewage samples could reflect the presence of known cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in recent weeks in the area served by this sewage treatment plant. However, it could also represent unrecognised cases in the area. NSW Health is calling on people in the area to come forward for testing when they experience even the mildest symptoms, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, or fever, which could signal a COVID-19 infection. NSW Health is treating 76 COVID-19 cases, with one patient in intensive care, who is being ventilated. Ninety-two per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP.

14.01.2022 For the eleventh consecutive day, NSW has reported no recent cases of locally transmitted COVID 19. Eleven cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine wer...e diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,057. There were 5,385 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 4,789 in the previous 24 hours. Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. People in the Hawkesbury and South Western Sydney are particularly being called on to come forward for testing if they have any symptoms after the state’s sewage surveillance program detected fragments of the virus at the North Richmond and West Camden treatment plants. The most recent cases in the West Camden catchment were reported in September, but no one living in the North Richmond catchment has recently tested positive for COVID-19. Virus fragments in sewage can mean that there are active cases in the catchment area, but people can continue to ‘shed’ virus genetic material for some weeks after recovery. COVID-19 testing clinics can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics, or call your GP. NSW Health is treating 50 COVID-19 cases, including three in intensive care, none of whom are being ventilated. Eighty per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. COVID-19 may be continuing to circulate in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: - If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. - Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. - Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. - Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

13.01.2022 No cases of locally acquired COVID-19 were diagnosed in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Four cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quaranti...ne, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,289 since the start of the pandemic. There were 20,586 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 10,058 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health is treating 71 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Almost all cases, 94 per cent, are being treated by NSW Health in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. NSW Health thanks the community for coming forward to get tested and continues to urge everyone in the state but especially people in the Southern Highlands, south-western Sydney and the Rouse Hill area to get tested, even if they display only the mildest symptoms, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, or fever, which could signal a COVID-19 infection. This follows the diagnoses of cases in Moss Vale and south-western Sydney recently, and detection of virus fragments in sewage sampled from Rouse Hill on 5 November and Liverpool on 6 November. Testing allows us to prevent onward transmission by helping us identify as many cases in the community as quickly as possible. Every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

13.01.2022 NSW has reported no new case of locally transmitted COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Two cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quaranti...ne, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,256. There were 18,466 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 17,036 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health thanks the community for coming forward to get tested and continues to urge everyone with even the mildest of symptoms to do so, as it allows us to detect cases early and prevent onward transmission. Contact tracing to contain the recent cluster of cases depends on businesses having effective COVID Safety plans and customer sign in processes. The recent cluster in South Western Sydney highlights the importance of these measures. NSW Health is working in close cooperation with a number of other agencies to provide the Liverpool community and local businesses with extra support to help achieve COVID-safe practices. Of the two new cases to 8pm last night: Both were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. NSW Health is treating 68 COVID-19 cases. One patient is in intensive care and is being ventilated. Ninety-one per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. Even though NSW has had low numbers of locally transmitted COVID cases in recent days, the upcoming holiday period will see an increase in social and community gatherings. It is very likely that COVID-19 will continue to circulate in the community, including among people with mild symptoms or no symptoms, so it is important that we all continue to take advantage of our outdoor venues and maintain the COVID-safe practices we have become used to, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask on public transport and in places where you can’t distance from others, and good hand hygiene. NSW Health is urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to get tested. Due to a number of recent cases in the region, this particularly applies to the people of south-west Sydney, especially those in the following areas: West Hoxton Hoxton Park Middleton Grange Horningsea Park Carnes Hill Edmondson Park Denham Court Prestons Busby Miller To help stop the spread of COVID-19: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours.

11.01.2022 This February 28 is Rare Disease Day. With so many things going on in the world around us, it’s very easy to put off important things like health. That’s why the last day of February each year we mark our calendars to bring awareness to rare diseases. An average of 1 in 20 people live with a rare disease at least once in their lifetime, few of which see any sign of a cure. The goal of Rare Disease Day is to improve knowledge amongst the general public of rare diseases while encouraging researchers and decision makers to address the needs of those living with rare diseases!

11.01.2022 NSW has reported 11 new cases of locally transmitted COVID 19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Three cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were als...o diagnosed. One case was temporarily reclassified from a confirmed to probable case on 12 October while under review is re-included today, having now being confirmed as a positive case. This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,121. NSW Health thanks the community for responding to calls for increased testing, with 16,021 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 8,609 in the previous 24 hours. Of the new cases to 8pm last night: Three were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine Eleven were locally acquired, and all are linked to known cases Nine of the new cases reported today are linked to the Lakemba GP cluster, which now has 12 cases in total. All nine cases are household or other contacts of known cases, including three who attended the clinic. Contact tracing and investigations into the source of the cluster continue. Two of the new cases reported today are linked to the private clinic cluster, which now has 10 cases in total. One case attended the clinic, and the other is a staff member at the clinic. Contact tracing and investigations into the source of the cluster continue. One of the new cases of COVID-19 reported today attended the Narellan Town Centre on Camden Valley Way on 7 October from 11.30am to 1pm. Anyone who attended this venue at this time is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. Everyone plays an important role in helping to contain the pandemic by testing quickly and following social distancing rules. Get tested on the day you get symptoms don’t wait to see if they go away. Assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise by a test. There is no limit on how many tests you can have. Testing is quick, free, and easy and most people receive their test result within 24 hours. If you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19, please come forward for testing right away. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. NSW Health is treating 62 COVID-19 cases, including one in intensive care who does not require ventilation. Ninety-four per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.

09.01.2022 One new case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,783. There were 32,580 tests reported ...in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 28,767 in the previous 24 hours. The new case is a close contact of a previously reported case at Hornsby Hospital. The case went into isolation before the commencement of their infectious period, following notification of the previous Hornsby case. If you have any cold or flu-like symptoms at all, assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise isolate and get tested right away; don’t delay. While case numbers have remained low this week the virus continues to circulate in the community and vigilance must be maintained. It is vital that high rates of testing continue in order to find the source of the cases still under investigation and to identify and stop further spread of the virus. NSW Health is urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, cough, or loss of taste and smell to come forward for testing. It is the best way to protect your family, friends and the wider community. For a list of locations associated with known cases and advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing, see: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. There are currently 111 COVID-19 cases being treated by NSW Health. There are seven COVID 19 patients in intensive care and six are ventilated. 85 per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: - If you are unwell, stay in, get tested and isolate. - Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. - Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. - We strongly recommend wearing a mask in situations where you cannot physically distance. A full list of COVID-19 testing clinics is available at the following link, or people can visit their GP: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectio//Pages/clinics.aspx.

08.01.2022 2 MILLION COVID-19 TESTS DONE IN NSW NSW has conducted more than 2 million COVID-19 tests since the start of the pandemic - this is an extraordinary effort. ...Thank you to everyone that has come forward for testing and a big shout to the front-line health and pathology staff who have made this possible! It is important that even with the mildest of symptoms you still come forward for testing. A list of COVID-19 testing clinics can be found here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectio//Pages/clinics.aspx

08.01.2022 Something as simple as opening a car door, using an ATM or safely crossing the road, can lead to the spread of COVID-19. Don’t forget to wash your hands to prot...ect you and your loved ones. It’s up to all of us to keep healthy and well. https://www.nsw.gov.au/c/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others

08.01.2022 Two new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,017. Both are returned overseas trave...llers in hotel quarantine There were 7,616 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 7,765 in the previous 24 hours. Testing numbers have declined in recent weeks. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. If people don’t come forward and get tested, we can’t keep the pandemic at bay. We would like to see testing levels above 20,000 as achieved last week, particularly in South Western Sydney, and ahead of school holidays. For the sake of your friends and family, get a test. And if symptoms recur even a few days later, test again. It’s free. While there were no locally acquired cases recorded in the past 24 hours, the virus is likely still circulating and it is imperative anyone displaying mild symptoms get tested immediately and not delay their test. NSW Health has been and continues to strongly encourage people to wear masks when unable to physically distance, particularly in indoor settings and on public transport, to keep everyone safe. As previously advised, when taking taxis or rideshare commuters should sit in the back and wear a mask. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. NSW Health is treating 77 COVID-19 cases, including three in intensive care, one of whom is being ventilated. Eighty-four per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: - If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. - Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. - Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. - Wear a mask on public transport, ride share, taxis, shopping, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. COVID-19 testing clinics can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics, or call your GP.

06.01.2022 No cases of locally acquired COVID-19 were diagnosed in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Five cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quaranti...ne, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,294 since the start of the pandemic. There were 23,236 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 20,586 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health thanks the community, as every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. We also express our thanks to the community organisations and businesses throughout NSW who are supporting the COVID testing effort by hosting clinics. NSW Health is treating 71 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases, 94 per cent, are being treated by NSW Health in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. Fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected at sewage pumping stations serving nearly 25,000 people in Bowral and Moss Vale. There have been recent cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Moss Vale, but there has not been a case reported recently in Bowral. More than 18,500 western Sydney residents were also alerted last night to the presence of the virus in sewage at two local sewage pumping stations. Affected suburbs include North Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Box Hill, The Ponds, Kellyville Ridge, Parklea, Quakers Hill and Acacia Gardens. Everyone in these areas is urged to immediately get tested if they have any symptoms at all that could signal COVID-19. Symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, tiredness, fever or other symptoms could be COVID-19. After testing, you must remain in isolation until a negative result is received. While detection of the virus in sewage samples could reflect the presence of older cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in these areas, NSW Health is concerned there could be other active cases in the local community in people who have not been tested and who might incorrectly assume their symptoms are simply a cold. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back.

06.01.2022 NSW recorded no new cases of locally acquired COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Seven cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine.... This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,320 since the start of the pandemic. There were 17,047 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 8,588 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health is treating 64 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases 97 per cent are being treated by NSW Health in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. Following the recent case notifications in South Australia, health and travel advice has been upgraded. NSW residents are now advised to defer non-essential travel to Adelaide, while people from Adelaide should defer non-essential travel to NSW. If you have recently returned from Adelaide and have been to any of the sites of concern listed on the SA Health website, whether listed as People who must quarantine or Monitor your symptoms, please get tested immediately, regardless of symptoms: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//contact+tr/contact+tracing People who must quarantine must isolate for a full 14 days from the time they were at the venue, regardless of whether the test result is positive or negative. People who visited the Monitor your symptoms locations should isolate until a negative result has been received, and get tested and isolate again should any symptoms develop. If you have visited Adelaide on or since 7 November, even if you did not visit the listed venues, please minimise contact with other people until 14 days after you were last in Adelaide. That means avoiding contact with other households, and minimising contact at work and socially as much as possible. Please monitor for symptoms and get tested and isolate immediately if they appear. NSW Health is continuing to contact people who have recently arrived on flights from South Australia, and is screening all new arrivals via plane and bus. This includes asking whether they have visited any of the venues of concern, and testing those who have symptoms. Please contact NSW Health on 1300 066 055 if you have any queries about recent travel to Adelaide, or would like assistance in accessing testing if you have been at any of the venues of concern identified by SA Health. Though there have been no new locally acquired cases in NSW for the past 11 days, in the past cases have appeared following several days without cases because of transmission among people with mild or no symptoms. If people don’t come forward for testing, outbreaks can easily be missed early on when they can be more readily controlled. Now is not the time to drop our guard. Everyone needs to continue to be alert to the ongoing risk of transmission of COVID-19, to keep practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and most importantly to get tested and isolate if they feel unwell. Symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, tiredness, fever or other symptoms could be COVID-19. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back.

04.01.2022 Live or work in South Western Sydney? Even if you have mild symptoms get tested for COVID-19 immediately. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat,... shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell, loss of taste, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, unexplained chest pain and conjunctivitis. When you get tested for COVID-19 it’s free, quick and easy. Most people in NSW receive their test results within 24 hours. Don’t delay, get tested. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations in NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics

04.01.2022 No cases of locally acquired COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Seven cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine,... bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,280 since the start of the pandemic. There were 9,499 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 13,721 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health is treating 63 COVID-19 cases. One patient is in intensive care and does not require ventilation. Ninety-five per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. NSW Health would like to thank recent cases in the Moss Vale area, in the Southern Highlands, for coming forward for testing, which helps protect other members of the community. As the original source of infections has not yet been found, we are concerned that other people in the broader Southern Highlands area may have unrecognised infection. NSW Health is calling on people in this area to come forward for testing if they have even the mildest COVID-19 symptoms. The new walk-in COVID-19 clinic at Moss Vale Showground, 16 Illawarra Highway, Moss Vale remains open from 9am to 5pm. Testing allows us to prevent onward transmission by helping us identify as many cases in the community as quickly as possible. Every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. NSW Health is also calling on people in the Rouse Hill area to get tested if they have even the mildest COVID-19 symptoms after the state’s sewage surveillance program detected traces of the virus in the area. The catchment takes sewage from approximately 120,000 people. Fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected in samples taken on Thursday 5 November from the sewerage system that drains parts of Quakers Hill, Castle Hill, Annangrove, Kellyville, Box Hill, Kenthurst, Glenhaven, The Ponds, Rouse Hill, North Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, Beaumont Hills, Stanhope Gardens, Baulkham Hills, Glenwood, Bella Vista, Parklea, Acacia Gardens and Norwest. The positive sewage result can be due to shedding of the virus by someone who may have previously had the illness, with the virus ‘shedding’ through their system for up to six to eight weeks later. The last locally acquired case who lives in this area was reported on Tuesday 8 September so there are concerns that other people living or working in the area may have the infection without knowing it. If this is the case, we need the community’s support to find any cases by getting tested. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

04.01.2022 NSW has reported eight cases of locally transmitted COVID 19 through to 8pm last night. Three of these cases were announced to the public yesterday, and are inc...luded in today’s numbers. Four cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,072. There were 12,498 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 5,970 in the previous 24 hours. Of the twelve new cases to 8pm last night: Four are returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine One is locally acquired and under investigation Seven are locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster One new case reported today was locally acquired, is likely to have been infected some days ago and appears linked to the Liverpool Hospital Dialysis cluster. Four more cases are close contacts of this case. One new case is locally acquired whose source is under investigation. The remaining two cases today are close contacts of this case. A known case travelled on a train on Saturday, 3 October that left Parramatta station at 7:13pm and arrived at Milsons Point station at 8:04pm. Anyone who caught the train at this time is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern. NSW Health renews its call for increased testing across Sydney, even if you have the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. This is especially important for people across West and South West Sydney with these new cases and after the state’s sewage surveillance program detected fragments of the virus at the North Richmond and West Camden treatment plants. COVID-19 testing clinics can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics, or call your GP. NSW Health is treating 51 COVID-19 cases, including one in intensive care, who does not require ventilation. Eighty per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. COVID-19 may be continuing to circulate in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: - If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. - Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. - Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. - Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

04.01.2022 NSW has reported one new case of locally transmitted COVID 19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Five cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were also... diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,094. The locally acquired case is a household contact of a case reported yesterday. These cases are linked to another two previously reported cases, the source of which remains under investigation. There were 7,391 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 12,823 in the previous 24 hours. Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern as it limits our ability to find people with COVID-19 early and contain further spread. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. This is important throughout the state, and particularly the Western and South Western Sydney areas. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. NSW Health is treating 54 COVID-19 cases, including one in intensive care who does not require ventilation. Eighty-seven per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. COVID-19 is still likely circulating in the community and we must all be vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: - If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. - Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. - Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. - Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

02.01.2022 Mobile COVID-19 testing available If you are unable to travel to receive a COVID-19 test, 4Cyte Pathology are providing a mobile service. You will need to c...ontact your GP for a referral, then 4Cyte will contact you to arrange an appointment. Results will be sent to your GP. Even if you are only showing the mildest of symptoms, you should be tested. Symptoms can include a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste. Less common symptoms include fatigue, runny nose, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea , nausea/vomiting, and loss of appetite.

02.01.2022 NSW has reported three new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night; all of which were already in isolation, having been identifi...ed as close contacts of previous cases linked to a known cluster in south-west Sydney. Six cases were also reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine, and one previously reported case from October was excluded through further testing. This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,254. There were 17,036 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 8,550 in the previous 24 hours. Of the nine new cases to 8pm last night: Three were locally acquired and linked to known cases. Six were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. All three of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Hoxton Park cluster, which now totals 10 cases: Two cases a child and an adult attended Flip Out Prestons Indoor Trampoline Park and are household contacts of a previously reported case who also attended the park. Both were already in isolation, having been identified as close contacts. One child attended the Bambino’s Kindergarten Horningsea Park, where a previously reported case also attended. The child had already been in isolation, having been identified as a close contact. A person confirmed as having COVID-19, who is a previously reported case, travelled on the following train services: Fairfield Train Station to Central Train Station, Tuesday, 27 October, 11.38am 12.40pm Central Train Station to Fairfield Train Station, Tuesday, 27 October, 2.33pm 3.23pm Passengers on the train at this time are considered casual contacts and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. Transport for NSW has dedicated cleaning crews across the network, including deep cleans and real time cleaning across all services. NSW Health has been and continues to strongly encourage people to wear masks when unable to physically distance particularly in indoor settings and on public transport to keep everyone safe. As previously advised, when taking taxis or rideshare, commuters should sit in the back and wear a mask. A person confirmed as having COVID-19, who is included in today’s numbers, also visited Westfield Liverpool on Wednesday 28 October, between 11.30am and 2pm, and 4pm and 4.40pm. Anyone who visited the centre at this time is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. The community is reminded that anyone who attended a number of classes, or was present at the same time, at the F45 gym in Leppington between Thursday 15 October 2020 to Wednesday 28 October is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and isolate for a full 14 days from exposure, regardless of the result. Details of the classes and other case locations and alerts are available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au//case-locations-and-alerts.a. NSW Health is urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to get tested. This particularly applies to the people of south-west Sydney, especially those in the following areas: West Hoxton Hoxton Park Middleton Grange Horningsea Park Carnes Hill Edmondson Park Denham Court Prestons Busby Miller NSW Health is treating 70 COVID-19 cases. One patient is in intensive care and is being ventilated. Ninety-three per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care. To help stop the spread of COVID-19: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay. Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. Most people receive their test results within 24 hours.

01.01.2022 If you have any symptoms, please go get tested! Lets help stop the spread together!