However, it's a matter of when, not if, a diagnosis will be made in our region, and a number of Cootamundra people have been wondering what is the next step after diagnosis.

The answer is that people with mild to moderate symptoms can can be managed in their own home with the support of their GP in combination with MLHD's "virtual" health services, a form of telehealth.

However if the infection is at the upper end of moderate, with people who are more unwell, they could be treated in the first instance, and possibly until they recover, at an isolation area that has been created at Cootamundra Hospital - or "Cootamundra Health Service" as the government has renamed it these days to lower our expectations of what is available.

MLHD cluster manager Kerry Lindeman explained however, that if the COVID-19 symptoms are serious, they will go from Cootamundra to Wagga Base Hospital, which is well equipped to support people with more serious infections.

"We have plans in place for the treatment and care of any one who may have contracted the virus and needs to be admitted to our hospital.

"An isolation area has been identified and we are well supported on the ground by teams of infection control personnel.

"District speciality infection control nurses are out and about in our hospital providing support to front-line staff to maximise the safety of our healthcare workers and the community."

Ms Lindeman said MLHD had heard rumours of unverified reported cases.

"Spreading misinformation about COVID-19 is dangerous and only the facts should be told," she said.

"To date, there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in our area.

"We ask members of the public to remain calm and be vigilant in their hand hygiene and practice social distancing.

"Follow the advice given by NSW Health authorities and stay up to date with what's going on the website at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases."