Health officials reassure community Sutherland Hospital ED safe to visit after COVID case

A spokeswoman for South Eastern Sydney Local Health District said "the emergency department remains fully operational and open to the public after a patient tested positive for COVID-19 on July 7".

"NSW Health has contingencies in place for such occurrences during a pandemic and similar incidents have happened at other health facilities across the state," she said.

"Staff treating the patient were wearing the correct PPE in line with current protocols outlined by NSW Health.

"In accordance with cleaning and infection prevention and control principles, all bed spaces in the emergency department are always regularly and thoroughly cleaned after each patient.

"Any staff or patients determined to be at risk of possible exposure will be contacted by the Public Health Unit and health advice provided.

"In the event that staff members need to isolate as part of COVID protocols, the community can be assured Sutherland Hospital emergency department staffing is always maintained and the same level of patient services will continue to be provided."

The spokeswoman said NSW Health is urging anyone with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms to be immediately tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

If symptoms appear again, please be tested and isolate again.

The Sutherland Hospital COVID-19 testing clinic hours will be temporarily extended from 8am to 6pm.

There are more than 350 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/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics, or contact your GP.