Last week we reported on the surge of influenza A, COVID-19 and RSV in the Deniliquin and wider Murrumbidgee health region.

District wide reports on the outbreak are being updated each Friday.

In last week’s article we used data from the June 15 report which stated test positivity for influenza in the Murrumbidgee Local health District, which is a key indicator of activity, had increased to 15.6 per cent.

By June 22 it had increased again to 18.9 per cent.

COVID-19 activity also remains stable at high levels and while there is evidence RSV activity might be declining in some areas of the district, activity is still high.

Pertussis and pneumonia continue to be unseasonably high in school aged children.

If you think you may be affected by one of these illnesses, please seek the help of medical staff.

And remember, after hours GP care is only a phone call away.

Available to the Edward River region, the GP After Hours service is available 6pm to 10pm on weekdays and midday to 4pm on weekends and public holidays.

Call 1800 272 767.

More handy health guidance

While on the subject of health.

If you’re feeling unwell and not sure exactly where to turn to, you might find the Deniliquin and District Health Services Information Guide a useful tool to have handy.

The 76-page guide ensures you have all the health information you need at your fingertips. And it’s available for free.

The Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee partnered with the Deniliquin Pastoral Times to develop the guide, and worked collaboratively on compiling all the information over two years.

Thanks to funding from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group, 3000 copies are available to the community.

They can be collected from Deniliquin Hospital, both Deniliquin pharmacies, the Edward River Library and the Deniliquin Pastoral Times office.

Sticks found alight

Deniliquin’s NSW Fire + Rescue brigade is reminding people of the dangers of fire after they were called to parkland in west Deniliquin on Wednesday.

Captain Martin Smith said it appears a small pile of sticks and leaves was set alight, and then left to burn out.

While the fire was easily extinguished and caused no damage, Capt Smith said it may not always be the case.

“We want to remind people of the damage fire can cause, and that you cannot leave any fire unattended.

“It’s also worth reminding people that any burns within the township of Deniliquin firstly need approval from the Edward River Council, and then a permit from our brigade.”

If you see an unattended fire, please report it to Triple Zero immediately.

New bin system

How did you go in the first week collection for the new three bin system? Did you get the combination right?

The long-awaited system started on Monday, meaning only the black-bodied bins - red lid for general waste, yellow lid for recycling and green lid for green waste and food organics - will be emptied from now on.

It may take some getting used to, but that’s where the materials and calendar delivered with your bins will come in handy. Make sure to check them as often as you need.

Still need a little help understanding the new system?

Anna Kelly from council's Green Team will be available at the Edward River Library in Deniliquin from 10am to noon on Tuesdays to provide assistance and information.

Playgrounds open for holidays

Another term of the school year will be finished by the end of this week, which means it’s time to plan those holiday activities.

While our district is not short on play spaces, a few extra will be made available to students through the Share Our Space program.

The program opens areas of NSW public schools for families to enjoy using play equipment, sports courts and fields.

Two school grounds in the Murray River district will be opened each day during the two week break - Bunnaloo Public School and Wakool Burraboi Public School.

No schools in the Edward River Council area have opted into the program, but with playgrounds in the Waring Gardens, Scott’s Park, Deniliquin RSL Park and others, you certainly won’t miss out.

If you’re seeking some entertainment indoors but outside the home, check out your local library. They might even have some special holiday activities on offer.

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Wednesday, 19th June 2024

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