The small rural town of Cobar has become the ninth northern sector location in the Western NSW Local Health District to be part of a new drive-through COVID-19 testing service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The mobile service will be available at the Cobar Council Car Park, entry via Lewis Street, on Wednesday, July 22 from 10am to 2pm.
Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley said while there are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Cobar or the district, more than 9816 people have been tested over the past four weeks in the region.
"We need to keep testing people, even if they only have mild symptoms, so we can stay on top of COVID-19 as the general restrictions around movement start to be decreased," she said.
"COVID-19 tests are always available through GPs and our hospitals. Our plan is for the mobile service to visit a number of smaller communities.
In the northern sector, there have been COVID tests in Goodooga, Weilmoringle, Enngonia, Bourke, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri and Walgett.
Ms Stanley said the service is free of charge, and you don't need a referral or appointment to attend.
"It's a drive through service so you won't have to leave your car. Our staff will be able to come to you, do a short assessment and get your details, and then do a swab from the back of your throat and then the back of your nose," she added.
"The tests are then sent away for analysis which normally takes about 48 hours. If your test is negative, you can request to get those results by text message even faster.
"People who are tested are asked to self-isolate until they get their results."
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
COVID-19 testing is available for people who have experienced even mild symptoms that can be associated with the disease.
Those symptoms include: fever, a sore or 'scratchy' throat, a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, tiredness and muscle aches.
Forty five people living in the District have been confirmed with the disease.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can be very mild, so it's important testing is increased.
While most people who have COVID-19 will recover, some people can become very sick, particularly older people or people who are already ill.
Sadly, 46 people have died in NSW from COVID-19, including one person from our District.
"Right now, our message is very simple - if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested," Ms Stanley said.
"Speak to your doctor - it's always best to call ahead. The Western Primary Health Network has set up respiratory clinics in Bathurst, Dubbo and Orange, with more to come in other centres.
"In Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo there are fever clinics set up at the hospital, and testing can also be arranged in all our other hospitals.
If you have any questions or concerns you can ring the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080 or you can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.