As of March 31, there are four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Mid-Western Regional Local Government Area. A woman who is currently caring for a resident confirmed to have COVID-19 - who wishes to remain anonymous - reached out to the Mudgee Guardian to express her frustration at what they see as damaging rumour and speculation among residents of the region on social media surrounding the identities of people suspected of being infected.
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The woman provided a written comment to the Mudgee Guardian which we have edited for clarity and readability.
Gossip
The gossip going around regarding the confirmed cases is absolutely false, people should stop spreading malicious gossip and inciting fear.
I am currently looking after one of the confirmed cases in the Mid-Western Region in their own home and have been since they returned to Mudgee. I will not get involved in idle gossip. I will look after my family member and our community.
The community is not at risk from this person, I am practicing all safety protocols and the health department have confirmed that I am not a considered a close contact or at risk at all as we have been pedantic.
The person I'm caring for is worried about being targeted if people find out who they are and scared about what they are going through.
People need to stay careful, act like everyone has it but be kind. People are acting crazy but I want to look after my family. It's not a witch hunt.
I went to Parramatta Westfield about a month ago and my daughter caught a cold... which I also caught. That is how easy this is to spread.
Since then, we have been practicing safe distance and hand washing, good hygiene and no one else in my house has caught said cold. By Jove, I have the cure for the common cold! I'm not making light of COVID, I'm petrified of it. My husband is in the high risk category, so no one in my house can afford to get this.
As for the rumours they have not been reading too much social media locally, but they know they are the subject of work discussions and have an unjustified fear of losing their job.
Mentally it's really upsetting them. If you think the fear of not knowing is bad- think about the flip side. They're waiting to see it turn sinister... I see the government is putting money into mental health, trust me we're going to need it.
As a carer, it has saddened me to see the constant rumours of someone doing the wrong thing. I know we have been doing everything right and as such have probably saved lives, if the constant gossip continues who is going to admit they have it for fear of persecution?
Be kind, always.
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