More Testing Vital to slow the spread of COVID-19

Higher rates of COVID-19 testing are required on the Central Coast to ensure community transmission of the disease is under control.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said anyone with COVID-19 symptoms – no matter how mild – should be tested.

“NSW already has one of the highest testing rates in the world and now we are boosting this further, doubling testing capacity from around 4,000 tests per day to 8,000,” Mr Crouch said.

“Before the health experts look to ease any restrictions, we need to ramp up our rates of testing to control the spread of COVID-19.”

Mr Crouch said Central Coast residents needed to come forward for COVID-19 testing.

“The Central Coast Local Health District is testing around 110 people per day but we want this to double,” Mr Crouch said.

“Even if you have mild symptoms such as a sore throat, shortness of breath, tiredness, a cough or fever, I would encourage you to come forward for testing.

“Test results can now be securely received via text message, with the turn-around time for results averaging one day.”

COVID-19 clinics are located at Gosford Hospital and Wyong Hospital and operate seven days a week.

To book a COVID-19 test, call 4320 5055 for Gosford or 4394 9200 for Wyong.