Bathurst residents have received a temporary boost in opportunities to receive a COVID-19 test, with a mobile testing clinic currently operating at Mount Panorama.
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The mobile testing clinic opened for business yesterday, and will continue to operate out of Harris Park, across the road from Mount Panorama's pit complex today from 9am to 4pm.
A spokesperson from the Western NSW Local Health District [WNSWLHD] said the mobile testing clinic has been travelling across the district for the past three months.
"We decided to bring the drive-through clinic to Bathurst for two days after the community concern from visiting sporting teams to the city," the spokesperson said.
"The mobile clinics have been well attended and supported by all the communities we have visited across the region, and we would love to see more than 200 people tested in Bathurst."
Testing at the drive-through clinic is free and there is no need for a referral or appointment, and people can undergo the testing without leaving their car.
"In the last four weeks, 14,937 people have been tested across the WNSWLHD," the spokesperson said.
"COVID-19 testing is available for people who have experienced even mild symptoms that can be associated with the disease, including fever, a sore or scratchy throat, a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, tiredness and aching muscles."
"The symptoms of COVID-19 can be very mild, so it's important that we increase our testing, and if you have any cold or flu like symptoms at all, assume it's COVID-19 until proven otherwise - isolate and get tested right away; don't delay."
Although Bathurst hasn't had a confirmed COVID-19 case since April 23, the spokesperson said it is vital to maintain high rates of testing.
"NSW Health is urging anyone with even the mildest of symptoms - including runny nose, sore throat, cough, or loss of taste and smell - to come forward for testing as the best way to protect their family, friends and wider community," the spokesperson said.
There is currently one active case in the WNSWLHD.
Permanent COVID-19 testing clinics are also in place at Bathurst Hospital and Ochre Health Medical Centre near CSU.
