Cobar residents can today access a
drive-through COVID-19 testing service.
The Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) is currently conducting the drive-through service throughout the region in an effort to stay on top of the spread of the disease.
Director of Public Health Priscilla Stanley said Cobar is the ninth location in the Western NSW LHD’s northern sector to be part of the drive-through COVID-19 testing service.
“There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Cobar or the district,” Ms Stanley said.
“The District has tested more than 9,816 people over the past four weeks.
“We need to keep testing people, even if they only have mild symptoms, so we can stay on top of COVID-19 as the general restrictions around movement start to be decreased. COVID-19 tests are always available through GPs and our hospitals,” Ms Stanley said.
“Our plan is for the mobile service to visit a number of smaller communities.”
The drive-through service has already visited Goodooga, Weilmoringle, Enngonia, Bourke, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri and Walgett.
The testing service will be set up in the car park behind the council chambers.
“The service is free of charge, and you don’t need a referral or appointment to attend,” Ms Stanley said.
“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.”
Ms Stanley said the test results are usually available within 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 explained.
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.
