Staff from St George Hospital's emergency department (ED) have thanked the community for its support and efforts in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in the local community.
Senior staff specialist Dr Peter Grant said hospital staff continue to be impressed by the community's thoughtful response to the pandemic.
"When it comes to combating COVID-19, the hospital staff and the community are most definitely all in this together," Dr Grant said.
"From practising strict social distancing both within the emergency department and in the hospital grounds, to patiently lining up for screening, the community is clearly doing their part to keep all of us as well and as safe as possible.
"We've been really impressed by the understanding and good grace with which relatives and loved ones have adhered to new rules, such as the single visitor policy."
He said low rates of both COVID-19 and influenza suggest excellent adherence to physical distancing and hygiene measures in the community and the hospital.
The emergency department's medical director Dr Trevor Chan thanked the community for their patience and understanding over the past few months.
"The patients have been very accepting of staff wearing layers of personal protective equipment, restrictions of movement within the ED and many other precautions and hygiene measures required during these unusual times," Dr Chan said.
The emergency department's nurse manager Melanie Lax said staff had also been heartened by the many gifts and thank you letters they had received from patients and community members.
"We have such a generous local community and their recognition and support for our healthcare workers over the past few months has been overwhelming," Ms Lax said.
But emergency department staff specialist Dr Carla Morgan said the community must remain vigilant and continue to work together in the coming months as restrictions lift.
"The best thing people can do is maintain physical distancing when you are out, and if you are sick, please stay at home and get tested," Dr Morgan said.
Dr Grant gave a special thank you to those people who went to medical practices for non-urgent matters instead of the emergency department.
"By keeping our emergency department for emergencies, these patients helped provide a safer working environment by avoiding overcrowding and allowing staff to focus their efforts on the sicker patients," Dr Grant said.
Residents are asked to maintain physical distancing, practise good hand hygiene and get tested if they show symptoms.
While rates of COVID-19 in Georges River, Bayside and Sutherland Shire local government areas remain low, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) is calling for increased COVID-19 testing among people who live in these areas.
Anyone with a fever (or history of fever), or symptoms of respiratory infection, such as a cough, shortness of breath, change in taste or smell, or sore throat, are strongly encouraged to be tested at one of the COVID-19 clinics in the area or visit their local GP.
To find out the location of a NSW Health-run clinic click here.
