Orange COVID-19 test site moves to Wade Park, Phase 2a of vaccination roll-out begins

The drive-through site - coordinated in conjunction with Barratt and Smith Pathology - has been moved from Emus Rugby Club to Wade Park amid the beginnings of Phase 2a of the nation-wide vaccine roll-out.

The next phase of the roll-out began on Monday, making all adults over the age of 50 eligible to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at GP-led respiratory clinics including Orange's.

As more people have become eligible for vaccinations testing numbers have dropped around the nation and Douglass Hanly Moir regional manager Michael Flynn said they vary week-to-week at the Orange site.

He also confirmed the testing site's shift was, simply, a logistical move as demand increased at the former site, which was located in Emus' carpark.

"It was just getting a bit too busy over there as the rugby season has begun, the carpark was pretty chock-a-block but the rugby club were great while we were there," he said.

"Orange City Council have been great in assisting the move to Wade Park and the clinic's hours will remain the same, from 8am to noon on weekdays.

"However, we are still doing weekend testing on Saturdays at the Bluestone Hall Collection Centre on Anson Street from 8am to noon, it's open in business hours Monday to Friday as well."

Three other testing sites remain in operation in Orange as well, one of those being Bloomfield Medical Centre's Respiratory Clinic which will double as the site for the first stage of Phase 2a of the vaccination roll-out.

The next phase also includes critical and high-risk workers along with Indigenous peoples aged between 18 and 54, with Western NSW Primary Health Network encouraging everyone to check their eligibility using the government's online service.

The eligibility checker also outlines participating general practices, which Western NSW PHN also note. The AstraZeneca vaccine is expected to become more widely-accessible at those general practices from May 17.

As of Wednesday, those included in Western NSW PNH's list are Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Colour City Medical Practice, Orange Family Medical Centre, The Wellness House, Apple City Family Medicine, Orange Square Medical Centre and Dr David Howe.

Millthorpe Medical Practice, Molong HealthOne General Practice and Blayney Family Medical Practice are also included, servicing the smaller areas in the Orange region.

The Pfizer vaccine has still largely been restricted to people under 50. However as of April 30, it remained unavailable in Western NSW but the PHN expected to be later in the year.

More information on Orange's COVID-19 testing sites is available on the NSW Health website and Douglass Hanly Moir's website as well.

All testing or vaccinations at the Orange Respiratory Clinic require appointments, which can be made by directly calling Bloomfield Medical Group on (02) 5335 6666 or online via HotDoc.

ORANGE'S COVID-19 TESTING SITES:

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