The Mid North Coast Health District is reporting there has been consistent testing for COVID-19 in the Port Macquarie-Hastings over the past few months but is urging people to come forward even with the most mildest of symptoms.
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Over 7683 tests have been carried out in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area and more than 20,000 on the Mid North Coast since the clinics first opened in early February up until July 12.
Due to the concerning number of rising COVID-19 cases in Victoria and in NSW, NSW Health is calling for an increase to testing to ensure any new cases or outbreaks are identified and managed rapidly.
"We are encouraging people, even with the mildest of symptoms, such as a runny nose, scratchy throat or a cough, to get tested," Mid North Coast Local Heath District chief executive Stewart Dowrick said.
Mr Dowrick thanked everyone who had come forward to be tested for COVID-19.
"You are helping us to protect our community," he said.
The local district could not provide the testing statistics for individual clinics and it's not know if there's been an increased number of people coming forward for testing during the July school holidays.
As of July 13, 52 people from the Mid North Coast have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 49 have recovered.
Two Mid North Coast residents tested positive in late June, however North Coast Public Health Unit director Paul Corben said they pose no risk to the Mid North Coast region. They remain in hotel quarantine in Sydney.
Tragically, in April a 91-year-old from the Mid North Coast died at Port Macquarie Base Hospital after he tested positive for the virus.
On Tuesday, July 14 the NSW government introduced stricter operating rules for pubs after more than 20 COVID-19 cases were linked to an outbreak at a Sydney pub.
The new COVID-19 rules for pubs and hotels include a limit of 300 people and bookings capped at 10 people.
COVID-19 testing clinics are located across the Mid North Coast at Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Bellingen, Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Kempsey and Laurieton.
NSW Health is urging anyone feeling unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms to self-isolate from others and come forward for COVID-19 testing.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell.
People have been asked to call the COVID-19 hotline on 1300 001 956 if they have any questions.
The community is also urged to remember to observe physical distancing, practice good hand hygiene and stay at home if they're unwell.
For more information please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19
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