COVID testing sites on the Mid North Coast are being swamped with at capacity wait lines closed shortly after opening, police turning away interstate travellers 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.
The Kempsey drive through clinic has experienced similar overloads turning people away from mid-morning.
There were also reports of police turning away interstate travellers wanting a test in order to cross the Queensland border.
"My Queensland based son went to the test site this morning so he can return," one Port Macquarie resident said.
"NSW Police went through the line and told all Queensland cars to leave the line.
"Police were particularly unhelpful.
"We're now not sure of what to do. Will get private test at my expense to make sure he gets home."
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 (MNCLHD) 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).
Our healthcare teams are working exceptionally hard to test everyone as quickly as they can and we ask that you please be kind to our staff when you present for testing.
- Mid North Coast Local Health District
A MNCLHD spokesperson said people displaying symptoms will be prioritised for testing.
"We continue to experience extremely high demand for COVID-19 testing at our clinics across the Mid North Coast. We are prioritising people with symptoms and those who have been directed by NSW Health for testing," a statement read.
"Our healthcare teams are working exceptionally hard to test everyone as quickly as they can and we ask that you please be kind to our staff when you present for testing."
For more information about who should get tested click here.
To find the full list of holiday operating hours for Mid North Coast Health testing clinics click here.
Other testing clinics near you (including private operators open this week) can be found at: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/testing/clinics
For COVID-19 updates, including testing and vaccination clinic details and information about self-isolation, visit www.nsw.gov.au
MNCLHD 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.
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