Canowindra will be the next location in the Western NSW Local Health District to be part of a new drive-through COVID-19 testing service, with the mobile service available on Thursday, July 9 from 10am to 2.30pm.
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There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Canowindra.
"Canowindra is the ninth location in the southern sector to receive the service, with more than 9,033 peopled tested in the Western Health District 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 as the general restrictions around movement start to be decreased. "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.
"In the southern sector, we have tested in Oberon, Blayney, Molong, Rylstone, Wellington, Forbes, Tullamore, Condobolin, Bourke and now going to Canowindra, to provide an additional opportunity for testing.
"The testing service will be set up at Morris Park, Rodd Street, Canowindra.
"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.
"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.
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.
Forty six people living in the District have been confirmed with the disease.
"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," Ms Stanley said.
"Sadly, 51 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.
"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."
