The Western NSW Local Health District and Laverty Pathology will be providing a drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic in the lead up and post the Bathurst 500 event.
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It will be operating every day from Monday February 22 to Friday March 5 and will be open from 9am to noon.
The testing service will be set up at the Bathurst Hockey Grounds Car Park, Lions Club Drive, Kelso.
- Director of Public Health Priscilla Stanley
"There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Bathurst. WNSWLHD has tested more than 5,977 people over the past four weeks," Director of Public Health Priscilla Stanley said.
"We need to keep testing people, so we can stay on top of COVID-19.
"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.
"The testing service will be set up at the Bathurst Hockey Grounds Car Park, Lions Club Drive, Kelso.
"The service is free of charge, and you don't need a referral or appointment to attend."
Matthew Brumby, General Manager for Laverty Pathology said it's a drive through service so people won't have to leave their 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," he said.
"The tests are then sent away for analysis which normally takes about 24 hours. If your test is negative, you can request to get those results by text message."
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He said people who are tested are asked to self-isolate until they get their results.
"If the demand for testing increases, we will also be able to increase our services" he 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.
"The symptoms of COVID-19 can be very mild, so it's important that we increase our testing. While most people who have COVID-19 will recover, some people can become very sick, particularly older people or people who are already ill.
"Right now, our message is very simple - if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested.
"Speak to your doctor - it's always best to call ahead."
Alternatively call the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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