Director of Public Health Priscilla Stanley is urging anyone with even mild coronavirus symptoms to be tested as drive-through COVID-19 testing rolls into Molong on Thursday.
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The Cabonne township is the next location in the Western NSW Local Health District to be part of a new drive-through COVID-19 testing, with the mobile service available on Thursday, May 28 from 10am through to 2.30pm.
Molong is the third location in the district to have the testing in town, with Oberon and Blayney the first two.
Ms Stanley said there is no known cases of COVID-19 in Molong, or the surrounding Cabonne shire.
All 160 people tested in Blayney last week recorded a negative result.
But she said it was important to keep testing people to stay on top of the virus as restrictions continue to ease and movement around the region ramps up.
"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 ... to provide an additional opportunity for testing," Ms Stanley said.
The testing service will be set up at the Dr Ross Memorial, Recreational Ground, with entry from Edward Street.
The service is free of charge, and those who take the test don't need a referral or appointment to attend.
Western NSW LHD staff complete the short assessment without people leaving their cars and tests are then sent away for analysis, which can take about two days.
"People who are tested are asked to self-isolate until they get their results," Ms Stanley added.
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.
Right now, our message is very simple - if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested.
- Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley
To date, more than 8,400 tests have been conducted in the Western NSW Local Health District.
In total, 45 people living in the district have been confirmed with the disease, with one case currently active being that of a resident currently in isolation in a hotel in Sydney.
"Right now, our message is very simple - if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested," Ms Stanley urged.
"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."
The Western Public Health Helpline is 1300 066 055, or contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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