COVID testing sites on the Mid North Coast are being swamped with at capacity wait lines closed shortly after opening and lengthy delays for test results.
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The Port Macquarie regional stadium drive through test site is recording wait times of up to six hours with people lining up for a COVID test from as early as 4am in a bid to get through the queue.
NSW Health is urging people to only seek a PCR test if they feel unwell, are displaying symptoms or have been directed to take a test.
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"To ease pressure on testing clinics, we encourage you to only get a PCR (nose and throat swab) test if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, are a household contact, have had a high or moderate risk exposure to COVID-19, or have been directed to take a test by NSW Health or the Department of Education," a NSW Health statement said.
"Interstate travellers are still able to get a PCR test at NSW COVID-19 testing clinics.
"If you receive a case alert in your Service NSW app, please monitor for symptoms and only get a PCR test if you feel unwell."
There were 131 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the Mid North Coast Local Health District to 8pm yesterday (26 December).
Fifty-five cases are from the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA), 53 cases are from Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA, 10 cases are from Bellingen LGA, seven cases are from Kempsey LGA and six cases are from Nambucca Valley LGA.
There have been 1,270 cases reported in the District since the beginning of the current NSW outbreak.
There were 1,126 COVID-19 tests conducted at clinics across the region to 8pm yesterday (Sunday).
For COVID-19 updates, including testing and vaccination clinic details and information about self-isolation, visit www.nsw.gov.au
Mid North Coast Local Health District is welcoming walk-ins at its two major vaccination clinics in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie on selected days this week.
Coffs Harbour Health Campus: Monday 27 December and Tuesday 28 December; 8.30am to 12.30pm (walk-in only)
Port Macquarie (35 Grant Street): Wednesday 29 December and Thursday 30 December; 8.15am to 12.15pm (walk-in only)
Vaccination clinics will resume normal operations from Tuesday 4 January 2022 (Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour) and Wednesday 5 January (Kempsey).
Appointments for vaccinations after 4 January can be made via the Vaccine Clinic Finder.