Bathurst drive-through COVID-19 testing site to remain in CBD despite disruption

In recent months, the drive-through testing site was located at Mount Panorama, but with motor racing set to return in a matter of weeks, it had to be moved.

Testing commenced out of the former Clancy Motors site in Howick Street, now owned by the Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre, on October 18.

It has impacted traffic and parking availability, including the loss of spots in the car park behind the RSL Club.

Businesses and motorists are frustrated, but the Western NSW Local Health District, NSW Police and Bathurst Regional Council are all calling for patience.

WNSWLHD's Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing executive director Adrian Fahy said that some disruption is unavoidable in peak testing times, but it will be managed carefully to maintain safety and traffic flow.

Any measures implemented would be temporary and only used when demand for testing is high.

"We regret any inconvenience this might cause to the community or to businesses, and we really appreciate the support the service has received since it relocated off Mount Panorama," he said.

"We know that residents and businesses want to get back to normal but testing in large numbers is part of what is going to keep our community safe from COVID-19, and it is here to stay for the foreseeable future."

While it appears unlikely testing will return to Mount Panorama in the future, it hasn't been ruled out.

"We will re-evaluate that at the end of the motor sport season, which I understand won't be through until March 2022. We'll re-evaluate that with the police and the local council before making any further determination," Mr Fahy said.

The high demand for testing recently has come from a spike in cases in Bathurst.

There are more than 20 active cases in Bathurst, which have prompted alerts for at least 36 venues.

READ MORE: Updated: Full list of Bathurst region's COVID venues of concern

The drive-through testing site conducted more than 600 tests last Friday, followed by 1000 over the weekend. Daily testing numbers are usually around 100.

Mayor Ian North welcomed the increase in tests, adding that the level of vaccination is helping Bathurst get through the spike in cases.

"I think the community is feeling a lot more comfortable than ever before, but in the same regard we are very cautious, and I think we need to have that degree of caution and worry because that way we can encourage people to get the test," he said.

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