BATHURST has maintained its clean COVID record after another 200 tests were conducted across the weekend.
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More than 700 residents have now fronted for testing since NSW Health issued a health alert for the region just days after the Bathurst 1000.
The health alert came after remnants of coronavirus were found in the city's raw sewage last Wednesday but a testing blitz since then has failed to find any active cases of the virus.
NSW recorded just one new locally-acquired case of coronavirus in the 24 hours to Monday morning, linked to the Oran Park outbreak in south-west Sydney.
Western NSW Local Health District public health director Priscilla Stanley welcomed another day with no positive cases in Bathurst, but again urged people with even mild flu-like symptoms to come forward for testing.
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"Over the weekend, COVID-19 testing provided by the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSLWHD) had tested 208 people," Ms Stanley said.
"So far all the tests have returned a negative result.
"The Bathurst community have responded incredibly well and I really want to thank people for forward for testing.
"We're continuing to appeal to the community to come forward for testing right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19."
Ms Stanley said the remnants of coronavirus found in Bathurst's raw sewage did not necessarily come from an active case.
"An infected person can shed virus in their faeces even if they do not have any symptoms, and shedding can continue for several weeks after they are no longer infectious," Ms Stanley said.
"There are currently no people in our district who have been identified as having COVID-19 however, this is a timely reminder for people with any symptoms, even mild symptoms, to isolate and arrange to be tested, and to ensure they practise physical distancing and hand hygiene measures."
The drive-through testing service at the Cooke Hockey Complex car park on Lions Drive, Kelso will remain open from 10am-4pm eaver day until Friday, and 10am-2pm on Saturday.
Other services offering testing include the Bathurst Respiratory Clinic (12.30pm-4.30pm weekdays) and a pop-up clinic at Bathurst Histopath Pathology on Hereford Street, Bathurst, which is open 8am to 5pm seven days a week.
Health authorities say COVID-19 is still likely circulating in the community are urging the community to remain vigilant. To help stop the spread of COVID-19:
- If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away - don't delay.
- Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
- Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
- Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can't physically distance.
- When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back.
There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP.
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