Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is reminding local residents that a negative test result for COVID-19 does not suggest immunity to the disease, and that people must self-isolate while awaiting test results.
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MLHD Director of Public Health, Tracey Oakman, said it is important for people not to develop a false sense of security after being tested, as the result only indicates COVID status at the time the test was taken.
"If you receive a negative test result, that is fantastic, but it doesn't mean you are immune to COVID-19 or that you won't subsequently contract the disease," she said.
"If you develop symptoms again, in the following week for example, please get tested again."
Ms Oakman said it is also important for people to self-isolate at home while they are waiting for test results.
"Please stay at home until you receive notification, so you know for sure your COVID result is negative before heading out into the community again," Ms Oakman said.
Ms Oakman said the community as a whole would benefit from this approach.
"If you're sick, do your best to keep that illness to yourself," she said.
"At the moment, anyone with respiratory symptoms needs to self-isolate and not attend work, so we want to reduce all respiratory illnesses within the community.
COVID-19 testing is advised for people experiencing fever, dry cough, sore (scratchy) throat, shortness of breath or a runny or stuffy nose. To book a test call 1800 831 099.
