Health authorities are still trying to uncover the transmission source of a case in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, as the region records zero new patients over the weekend. An application to NSW Pathology has been made for genomic sequence testing of the original case in Young to help contact tracers find the missing link. "We are still awaiting the results. It is quite a long, complex process that takes a lot of scientific work," Chief executive of the MLHD Jill Ludford said. "Out thinking is that it is linked with another cluster in NSW." Ms Ludford announced that there had been no new cases reported in the MLHD over the weekend, which is "great". However, she warned the community that the case numbers are expected to fluctuate. IN OTHER NEWS: "People have come forward for testing, and we are managing to get people into isolation early, so that's been a great response from our communities," Ms Ludford said. "In this particular outbreak in our region, there have been 25 cases to date, bringing it to a total of 85 cases since the beginning of the pandemic." One person has been discharged from Wagga Base Hospital, leaving four people in care. However, no patients are in intensive care. Ms Ludford said there had been a fantastic turnout from the community in coming forward for vaccinations. The MLHD has reached a big milestone after 80 per cent of its residents have received their first dose. Meanwhile, 91 per cent of the district's health workers have come forward for the COVID-19 vaccine. "As we start to see more movement around into regional areas, our best protection is to ensure that we all come forward and get vaccinated," Ms Ludford said. "Vaccination, as we know, reduces the possibility of contracting COVID, but more importantly for people who do, they become less sick and require less hospitalisation." A pop-up clinic has been opened in Tolland on Bruce Street, which will be open until Friday to make it easier for residents to get the dose. The MLHD will also be running a pop-up clinic in Wagga at the Yathong Street hub for students to get the jab while on holiday. Ms Ludford said there are three council areas in the MLHD that have been low in the vaccine uptake, including Junee, Carrathool and Edward River, adding they are working with the local governments to help increase vaccination numbers. She praised the region's residents who had come forward for testing, adding there had been a 53 per cent increase in the number of tests conducted. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
