Northern NSW population surges into COVID test clinics
The Northern Rivers community has responded recent COVID-19 finds with a dramatic surge in testing say health authorities.
The acting chief executive for the Northern NSW Local Health District, Lynne Weir, said there were more than 1100 tests carried out in a four-day period last week after reports of COVID-19 contacts in the region during the week.
Ms Weir thanked the community for its ongoing vigilance and quick response.
“Thank you to everyone who has come forward for testing in recent days, helping to protect themselves and their communities,” she said.
“It’s important that people come forward at the first sign of any symptoms, because that way our contact tracers in NSW Health have the best chance of responding to new cases, and we reduce the chance of the virus spreading to others.”
For the four days from July 17 July 20 there were 1511 tests conducted across the four hospital-based testing clinics in the District.
The most significant increases were seen at The Tweed Hospital clinic on July 18, which increased 63% on the previous Sunday, and at the Grafton Base Hospital clinic on July 19, where 67% more tests were conducted then the previous Monday.
These figures do not include the additional tests conducted at numerous private pathology and Commonwealth respiratory clinics across the region.
“People are understandably concerned about the current outbreak,” Ms Weir said.
“The best thing we can do at the moment is to follow the health advice, as all these measures are important in creating a COVID-safe community.
“That means getting tested immediately, self-isolating until you get a negative result, and following the public health measures of hand hygiene, physical distancing, mask wearing, checking-in with QR codes, and limiting visitors to your household or business in line with the current orders.”
Clinic locations and opening hours are listed on the NSW website at COVID-19 testing clinics. There are more than 400 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.
“If you are eligible, please also come forward for vaccination as soon as possible, as vaccination is key to defeating this deadly virus,” she said.
“There are more than 100 NSW vaccination clinics and outreach locations across the state.”
