COVID-19: No community transmission as testing continues in Parkes, Forbes

That person who tested positive remains in isolation and all 18 close contacts have returned a negative test result to the virus.

The Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) declined to advise the sex and age of the positive virus case in Parkes, however, Service Australia confirmed the case was at its Parkes centre.

LHD acting chief executive Mark Spittal said a rapid health response was initiated in Parkes following the positive result.

"We are extremely conscious of how vulnerable many people in communities like Parkes are and we were able to swing into action immediately and with sensible, effective measures," he said.

"We had a mobile testing clinic underway within several hours, which has so far tested more than 430 people over the past two days, with no positive results."

Precautionary measures put in place at Parkes Shire Council, hospitals and aged care facilities following the positive test will also now be removed.

Mr Spittal said public hospitals and multipurpose services around Parkes will once again admit visitors, subject to the current COVID-19 requirements.

"We know that the prospect of COVID-19 is really worrying for people in all our communities," he said.

"It's been very gratifying to see that our health services, local government and other organisations have been able to work so effectively together to mount a quick and comprehensive response when a risk became known."

A mobile COVID-19 testing clinic will be open until 5pm on Friday at Northparkes Oval. It will move to Parkes Hospital from 10am to 3pm on Saturday with access via the main car park of the hospital.

A mobile clinic will also be running in Forbes at Harold Street, with entry via Court Street, from 9am to 5pm on Monday, September 7 and Tuesday, September 8.

COVID-19 testing is free of charge, and you don't need a referral or appointment to attend.

A drive through service will be in operation at Parkes and Forbes with people asked to remain in their car at all times. Staff will approach vehicles to take details and conduct the swab tests.

Test results normally take around 48 hours. People are encouraged to register for a service that provides negative test results even sooner.

Anyone with symptoms, even mild ones, should arrange to be tested.

For advice and information about COVID-19 visit NSW Health or for the latest information about COVID-19 cases across the WNSWLHD can be found here.