Thermal thermometers
The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is implementing screening and temperature testing for all people coming into health services as part of the statewide response to COVID-19.
WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan, said, “We will primarily be using thermal thermometers, which means that no contact is required, to test the temperature of everyone entering a health facility. The testing will apply to all visitors, along with staff and contractors entering our sites.”
“People coming to our sites will also be asked some screening questions. If people have a temperature over 38°C or they respond ‘yes’ to any of the screening questions, they will be asked to not enter the facility, and to go to a clinic or their doctor to be assessed for a COVID-19 test,” continued Mr McLachlan.
“These measures are being implemented in all NSW health facilities. They are designed to help us limit the spread of COVID-19, and protect our staff and patients.”
The screening questions to all people coming to local health facilities will be:
1. Have you returned from overseas travel (or a cruise ship) in the last 14 days?
2. Have you had any close contact with a COVID-19 positive case?
3. Do you have any flu-like symptoms?
The screening and temperature testing measures will be implemented immediately in all facilities including hospitals, community health centres, oral health services and clinics, including vaccination services. The WNSWLHD has previously introduced restrictions on visitors in all its facilities, with one visitor per patient in larger facilities, and no visitors in MPS facilities, where aged care residents may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
For more information on COVID-19 follow the WNSWLHD on Facebook, contact the Public Health Helpline on 1300 066 055 or contact Healthdirect online or on 1800 022 222.