THE community is taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously and are urged to continue coming forward to get tested.
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Ochre Health, in partnership with the Federal Government, opened a temporary testing clinic in Bathurst in late April to provide a location for people to get tested where there is limited opportunities for them to come into contact with others.
More than 400 people have come forward to be tested in the first five weeks of the clinic being open.
Ochre's regional manager, Linda Hamlyn, is pleased with the numbers.
"I think it just goes to show people are being really considerate that if they are unwell that they're coming out and getting tested and staying at home until they get the results," she said.
Since the crisis started, Bathurst has had just nine confirmed cases of COVID-19, with there being no active cases since April 23.
The Western NSW Local Health District also hasn't recorded any new cases in weeks, with only 45 cases diagnosed since mid-March.
While those numbers are very positive and the number of new cases diagnosed in NSW each day remains very low, people are urged not to get complacent.
If they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, they are encouraged to self-isolate until they can get tested.
"Given that the symptoms are so similar to your normal cold and flu, it's very hard to differentiate what virus you may have," Ms Hamlyn said.
"Throughout winter it's going to still be very important to come in and get tested.
"Our pathology partners we're working with, Laverty, try to have the tests back within 28 to 48 hours. We're trying not to delay those results, so it's well worthwhile getting tested just to be sure you're not passing it on. Something you might think is a common cold or flu could actually be COVID."
She said that testing is relatively quick and painless.
"They come in, take a seat and get swabbed. Depending on what swab it is, it's just basically up the nose to the back of the nose," she said.
"It's not the most comfortable, but there are certainly worse procedures. A little bit of discomfort, I would say."
She stressed that the Ochre clinic is a safe place to attend, as the COVID-19 testing area is completely separate from the normal clinic.
Temporary walls have been put in place and there are two different entries so there is no thoroughfare from one side of the clinic to the other, ensuring people who might have the virus don't come into contact with other patients.
If you are showing symptoms, call (02) 4702 3682 or visit ochrehealth.com.au/bathurst to book an appointment for testing.
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