Clayton Barr MP, State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock announced the Cessnock District Hospital COVID-19 drive thru testing clinic has been extended until 22 June with Hunter New England Health reviewing demand and need for further extensions at the end of the week.
Originally the clinic was to finish on Tuesday 26 May but has been extended for a second time. The testing facility will operate 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am – 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday. To be tested residents must book an appointment by calling 4991 0436.
“I encourage anyone with symptoms even mild ones or those who want or need to be tested to call and book an appointment by calling 4991 0436” said Mr Barr.
“With more and more restrictions easing over the coming weeks and months it’s great news that the testing facility has been extended with the possibly for further extensions.” said Mr Barr.
Mr Barr has campaigned for a testing facility to be part of either Cessnock or Kurri Kurri Hospitals to ensure residents in the Cessnock Local Government Area have a testing facility they can access without having to go out of the area.
From May 20 to June 14 the Cessnock District Hospital testing facility has conducted over 1,733 tests, with 804 tests conducted during May (May 20 to May 31) and 929 tests administered so far in June (June 1 to June 14). There have been no positive results reported.
“With the changes to restrictions it is incredibly important for all community members to be following health advice, having a test if you have symptoms even mild ones, washing hands regularly and practicing social distancing” said Mr Barr.
“For all communities the best way to move forward and manage the pandemic is to have information and the information gathered through testing is invaluable.”
“Identifying sources of the virus is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community” said Mr Barr.