COVID-19 Testing Rates must be higher

With the COVID-19 pandemic stretching into its seventh month in NSW, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is urging residents with cold and flu symptoms to continue being tested for COVID-19.

“The weather is warming up and more people will be travelling across NSW during the school holidays, which is why high rates of COVID-19 testing are essential for ensuring there is no undetected community transmission of the virus,” Mr Crouch said.

“If you have even the mildest symptoms like a scratchy throat, cough, runny nose or fever, you must get tested immediately. And if symptoms recur even a few days later, test again.”

Mr Crouch said COVID-19 testing rates had decreased in recent weeks.

“For eight weeks over July and August, the number of tests at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals exceeded 2,000 per week,” Mr Crouch said.

“Unfortunately we have witnessed a 45 per cent drop in people presenting for COVID-19 testing over the past two weeks.

“Almost 40,000 tests have been conducted by the Central Coast Local Health District, which is a fantastic result, but everyone needs to remain vigilant. Complacency is the new killer in our battle against COVID-19.”

COVID-19 tests are free and available 7 days per week.

To book a COVID-19 test:

–       For Gosford, call 4320 5055 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am and 4pm on weekends,

–       For Wyong, call 4394 9200 between 9am and 5pm every day,

–       For Erina, call 0435 813 865 between 10.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and

–       A drive-through Clinic is now operating at Hylton Moore Park, East Gosford between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

The Gosford Clinic has also been expanded to increase its capacity, and includes a family room for parents and carers with children 16 years and under who wish to be tested together.