COVID-19 testing sites in Dubbo were busy on Monday as residents and visitors followed advice and got swabbed if they were feeling unwell.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes as a record number of coronavirus tests were recorded across NSW. In the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday, more than 38,000 people were tested.
There were another 15 COVID-19 cases reported on Monday. It brings the number of known cases in NSW to 83, all linked to the Avalon outbreak in Sydney's northern beaches.
On Monday there was a line-up of cars as people waited to be tested at the Dubbo Laverty Pathology Drive-Through Clinic. The Dubbo RSL - where the drive-through clinic is located - posted they had opened the rear gates for car park entry due to the "excessive line-up for COVID-19 testing".
The Western Health District reported that as of Monday, December 21 - 5,494 tests had been completed in the last four weeks with zero cases recorded.
The top ten regions undertaking COVID-19 testing by Western Local Government Area (LGA) include:
- Orange- 1282
- Bathurst- 1129
- Dubbo- 1010
- Mid Western- 584
- Lithgow- 439
- Hilltops- 306
- Cowra- 218
- Blayney- 174/ Parkes 174
- Cabonne- 148
- Forbes- 113
Deputy Premier of NSW, John Barilaro, urged people to be responsible over the coming days and get tested if they experience any symptoms.
"There is no doubt that there is anxiety in the region as people flock to the region for the Christmas break and we encourage that, but we already have in place some restrictions that minimise the risk to regional NSW," he said.
READ ALSO:
"If you've got any symptoms, please get tested, change your travel plans and maybe not visit regional NSW right now until we get on top of this issue."
"Self isolate, we're asking you to take responsibility."
While encouraging everyone to take responsibility, he added that while regional health systems are handling the situation well, the last thing anyone wanted was to be overwhelmed and that's why everyone must take responsibility.
"The message is for personal responsibility- if you're not feeling well, get checked before you travel through the region."
Western NSW Health are still encouraging anyone experiencing symptoms to get themselves tested quickly and self isolate until results are known.
Symptoms may include a cough, sore or 'scratchy' throat, shortness of breath and fever
There are a variety of places to get tested including visiting your local hospital, calling a Respiratory Clinic to make an appointment, visiting a local COVID-19 testing clinic or calling your GP to see if they can perform a test, or you can visit a mobile testing service when it is in your town.
Times and locations of venues available for COVID testing are available on the NSW Health website.
While there are no active cases in Western NSW, previous regions (LGA) that have experienced cases include:
- Orange City- 13
- Bathurst Regional- 9
- Dubbo Regional- 6
- Mid-Western Region- 6
- Cabonne Shire- 5
- Blayney Shire- 3
- Parkes Shire- 2
- Narromine Shire- 1
- Warren Shire- 1
- Warrumbungle Shire- 1
- Weddin Shire- 1
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.