Cobar residents will have access to a drive-through COVID-19 testing facility today with the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) operating the service for four hours today at Ward Oval.
Director of Public Health Priscilla Stanley said there are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Cobar.
“WNSWLHD has tested more than 9,958 people over the past four weeks.
“We need to keep testing people, so we can stay on top of COVID-19 as the general restrictions around movement start to be decreased,” Ms Stanley said.
“COVID-19 tests are always available through GPs and our hospitals.
“Our plan is for the mobile service to visit a number of smaller communities.
“The service is free of charge, and you don’t need a referral or appointment to attend.
“It’s a drive through service so you won’t have to leave your car.
“Our staff will be able to come to you, do a short assessment and get your details, and then do a swab from the back of your throat and then the back of your nose.
“The tests are then sent away for analysis which normally takes about 48 hours.
“If your test is negative, you can request
to get those results by text message even faster.
“People who are tested are asked to self-isolate until they get their results,” Ms Stanley said.
COVID-19 testing is available for people who have experienced even mild symptoms that can be associated with the disease.
Those symptoms include: fever, a sore or ‘scratchy’ throat, a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, tiredness and muscle aches.
“While most people who have COVID-19 will recover, some people can become very sick, particularly older people or people who are already ill,” Ms Stanley said.
“Right now, our message is very simple – if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested.
