Western NSW Local Health District drive-through COVID-19 testing service will be revisiting Forbes on Monday, July 20, with the mobile service available on from 10am to 3pm.
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Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley said there are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Forbes. Over 91 people were tested in Forbes at the previous testing service.
The Western NSW Local Health District has tested more than 9,816 people tested over the past four weeks.
"We need to keep testing people, so we can stay on top of COVID-19 as the general restrictions around movement start to be decreased," Ms Stanley said.
"COVID-19 tests are always available through GPs and our hospitals.
"Our plan is for the mobile service to visit keep visiting a number of smaller communities. In the southern sector, we have tested in Oberon, Blayney, Molong, Rylstone, Wellington, Forbes, Tullamore, Condobolin, Bourke, Canowindra, Coonabarabran, Baradine and Coolah."
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The testing service will be set up at Harold Street, with entry via Court Street, Forbes.
The service is free of charge, and you don't need a referral or appointment to attend.
"It's a drive-through service so you won't have to leave your 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," Ms Stanley said.
The tests are then sent away for analysis which normally takes about 48 hours. If your test is negative, you can request to get those results by text message even faster.
"People who are tested are asked to self-isolate until they get their results," Ms Stanley said.
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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," Ms Stanley said.
"While most people who have COVID-19 will recover, some people can become very sick, particularly older people or people who are already ill. Sadly, 46 people have died in NSW from COVID-19, including one person from our district.
"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," Ms Stanley said.
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.
If you have any questions or concerns you can ring the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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