Two confirmed COVID-19 cases in Central Coast residents have prompted Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) to urge train commuters to be alert for COVID-19 symptoms, and if they experience any, to get tested immediately.
One of the cases, a man aged in his 50s, is believed to have contracted the virus from a close contact linked to the Sydney CBD cluster, and is understood to have travelled to and from Woy Woy and Sydney via train whilst potentially infectious.
Anyone who travelled on the following train services is considered a casual contact and is being urged to monitor for symptoms: Monday, August 24, Sydney-bound train, departing Woy Woy station at 6.49am, arriving Wynyard station at 8.05am; Northbound train, departing Town Hall station at 5.31pm, arriving Woy Woy station at 6.54pm; and, Tuesday, August 25, Sydney-bound train, departing Woy Woy station at 6.49am, arriving Gordon station at 7.36am; Northbound train, departing Hornsby station at 7.53am, arriving Woy Woy station at 8.28am.
The man is now in home isolation along with his household contacts, one of which, a teenage girl, has also contracted the virus.
As the girl was already in isolation when she tested positive, the District believes that there is no risk of community exposure.
Both cases are doing well with mild symptoms.
With these, the first confirmed cases in Central Coast residents residing on the coast since April, the CCLHD’s Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Katherine Todd, is encouraging residents not to be complacent with their preventative measures.
“These are the first cases we’ve had in some time and residents should take it as a reminder that we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to COVID-19.
“Residents need to stay alert and aware, continue keeping non-essential travel to a minimum, avoid excessive contact with people, keep up with your hygiene practices, make sure you continue following instructions on public contact tracing such as signing in at restaurants and cafes, and above all else, make sure you get tested if you develop Covid-like symptoms,” Dr Todd said.
Dr Todd added that anyone concerned that they may have been on one of the aforementioned trains should remain calm, with the risk of exposure considered relatively low.
“What we have seen from previous cases in NSW is that public transport has so far not been linked to any serious outbreaks, so it is not seen as a significant exposure risk.
“Anyone who may have been in the same carriage as the patient is considered a casual contact and should keep that in mind,” Dr Todd said.
Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath is urged to get tested.
A walk-in COVID-19 testing clinic has been established at the Woy Woy Hospital kiosk, on Ocean Beach Rd, and will operate until September 3, between 8.30am to 4pm.
The District also provides COVID-19 testing at Gosford Hospital between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends.
People are encouraged to book ahead on 4320 5055 although walk-in appointments are accepted.
Wyong Hospital COVID Clinic – Building C (opposite the Health Services Building) operates from 9am to 5pm every day.
People are encouraged to book ahead on 4394 9200 although walk-in appointments are accepted there as well.
Dilon Luke
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