The drive-through COVID testing clinic which started on Wednesday, is set to run until late September, but is subject to change based on demand.
Forbes Shire Council and National Health Authority have joined forces to bring a three day a week testing clinic to Forbes for easy community access to a convenient drive through COVID-19 Testing Clinic service.
“This is a great partnership between Council and National Health Authority with a proactive approach to this crisis we are experiencing,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “The community will have access to testing more than ever before and it will be via a convenient drive through service in Hill Street on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 8am and 1pm.
“The testing facility is available for patients referred by their doctors; they will not have to travel to other towns to avail themselves of COVID-19 testing. Laverty are a highly regarded organisation and deliver the highest quality professional service.”
“Previously the testing services have been sporadic, and this will provide an ongoing testing opportunity testing for the community and provide reassurance,” Phyllis said.
Patients can receive their negative test results via text message in as little as 24 hours and most tests usually take around 48 hours. It is important for Forbes Shire residents to maintain COVID safety practices and to get tested, even if symptoms are mild.
COVID-19 symptoms include a fever, a sore or scratchy throat, runny nose, shortness of breath and sometimes a cough. Currently the Western Area Health has one case and the person in Orange remains in isolation.