TESTING rates across the Tamworth region have boomed as the state's COVID-19 case count continues to grow, and some changes have been made to cope.
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Data shows swab rates doubled in each of the Tamworth, Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains local government areas when comparing last week to the week before.
In Walcha, more than eight times the number of tests were taken last week compared to the week before.
Hunter New England Health (HNEH) revealed the numbers on Tuesday, which show there were more than 1250 tests done during the week in Tamworth alone; more than 170 in Gunnedah; close to 450 in Armidale; and more than 80 in Walcha.
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The numbers are set to soar when the region's screening statistics for this week are released, with vehicles lining up at the Tamworth drive-through for hours on Monday.
The spike comes as the Sydney COVID-19 cluster continues to grow, with 19 new locally-acquired cases reported in NSW in the latest update on Tuesday.
High traffic volumes at testing centres have prompted some changes as authorities work to make sure nearby roads are clear and safe.
Cars headed to the only drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic in Tamworth will now have to enter via Carter Street, after traffic chaos on Monday.
Cars have to queue by entering Carter Street, off Bridge Street, and heading towards the Plain Street carpark.
Plain Street itself will be used as an exit point only, and people leaving can turn onto Ebsworth Street.
Queues appeared to be a little quieter on Tuesday, but Tamworth Regional Council confirmed staff will check traffic conditions daily and make any changes needed.
It is understood Tamworth Respiratory Clinic was also taking walk-ins for testing all day on Sunday in response to increased demand.
Locals are reminded that anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms should get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.
Strict COVID-19 restrictions have come back into force in the regions, while cities further south are in lockdown.
As the pandemic continues, these are all the places you can get a COVID-19 swab and how to access them.
More regional locations and information is on the NSW Health website.
Tamworth:
Laverty Pathology drive-through COVID-19 screening
- Located in Plain Street carpark
- Enter from Carter Street, off Bridge Street
- Open between 7:45am and 3pm on Monday through to Friday
- Open between 7:45am and 12pm on Saturday
- No booking or referral needed
- Free testing
Tamworth Respiratory Clinic
- Located on Goonoo Goonoo Road
- Open 8:30am to 11:30am on Monday through to Friday
- Appointments are usually required
- Free testing
- Book on 67683288
Or, talk to your GP about getting a referral to pathology for a COVID-19 test.
Gunnedah:
Laverty Pathology drive-through COVID-19 screening
- Located on Marquis Street
- Open between 1pm and 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- No booking or referral needed
- Free testing
Gunnedah Respiratory Clinic - Ochre Health
- Located on the Oxley Highway
- Open between 12:30pm and 4:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays
- Appointment required
- Book on 67609765
- Free testing
Quirindi testing clinic
- Nowland Street
- Open 8:30am to 4pm on Monday through to Friday
- Appointments required
- Free testing
- Book on 67460200
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Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
