The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is reminding communities to remain vigilant in getting tested and for people to self-isolate if they experience COVID-19 symptoms as a cluster in South Australia takes hold.
South Australia has recorded 17 cases, with reports indicating these cases are linked to their hotel quarantine system.
ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said that getting tested with any symptoms remained important regardless of any outbreak.
“We cannot become complacent. Even if your community has not had a case recently, you cannot take the risk of being infected or infecting others.,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“If you are experiencing any symptoms, whether it be a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, aches and pains, headaches or runny nose, make sure you get tested and self-isolate until you receive the test results back.”
Adjunct Professor Ward commended the rapid response to the outbreak by the South Australian Government.
Undertaking the right decisions to ensure that this outbreak can be contained as quickly as possible is essential and consultation with organisations like ACN is vital to share lessons learned by nurses from other jurisdictions,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
Adjunct Professor Ward also paid tribute to the nurses and health care workers who have been facing the challenge and risk of COVID-19 regardless of the outbreak situation on the ground.
“While restrictions have shifted across Australia, nurses have continued to maintain their vigilance in our hospitals, communities, clinics, aged care facilities and other settings to ensure we don’t see COVID-19 resume its spread in Australia,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“Nurses’ skills, training and expertise have been pivotal caring for COVID-19 patients under extreme restrictions, as well as caring for other patients going through the regular medical challenges that we see day-to-day. It has been a remarkable achievement from a dedicated profession and nurses call on all Australians to stay vigilant with social distancing, hand hygiene and self-isolation as required to keep you safe.”
