COVID-19 testing demand skyrockets across Murrumbidgee

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) continues to operate the Yambil Street Clinic in Griffith which has seen record lines of concerned citizens hoping to see a negative result following potential exposure.

Across Sydney, Laverty Pathology has closed all drive through COVID testing sites in an effort to process what has been an unprecedented level of tests, however the Laverty operated Griffith Showgrounds drive through clinic remains open from 8am until early afternoon six days a week.

YourHealth Griffith is also continuing to operate its COVID testing service through appointment only which can be made here.

Practice Manager Rosie Harriman said that demand for PCR tests had spiked at an unprecedented level.

"The impact from the growing number of positive COVID cases in town has been unbelievable on our services," Mrs Harriman said.

"We are totally booked out and have been extending our hours everyday to manage with the amount of concerned residents wanting to get tested.

"Unfortunately we can can do those who are symptomatic or those who have been advised by NSW Health to get a test."

IN OTHER NEWS:

As of this week, state and territory leaders have met and formed a nationally recognised definition of a close contact and accompanying rules to follow.

National cabinet outlined close contacts were a household contact or someone who had been around a COVID-19-positive person for more than four hours in an enclosed space.

The five states and territories which agreed to the changes will now mean a close contact must isolate for seven days and get a test on day six.

A positive case only has to use a Rapid Antigen Test on day six to determine if they still have the disease.

Casual contacts who have been pinged on the Service NSW app are now also encouraged not to get a test unless symptoms arise to avoid blocking up testing sites even more.

The Leeton District Hospital Clinic remains closed until January 10 and will reopen for testing services on Mondays and Thursday between 9am and midday whilst the Narrandera Hospital Clinic has reopened to 30 minutes of testing operation three times a week.

For more information about COVID-19 testing clinics near you please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/testing/clinics

If you need to self isolate and are unable to work whilst you are waiting for your COVID-19 test result, you may be eligible for the COVID-19 Test and Isolate support payment.

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