New drive-through clinic opens in Blacktown Showground

A new pop-up COVID-19 clinic has opened in Blacktown Showground to make testing more accessible to Western Sydney residents.

Healthcare workers conduct COVID-19 tests at a drive-through testing centre in Sydney Source: AAP Image/James Gourley

Highlights

• The new drive-through clinic is open 6 days a week
• More options for Western Sydney residents to get tested
• If you are experiencing any symptoms, get tested

The new drive-through clinic is open Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm and Saturday, 8am-1pm. Entry is via Richmond Road, Blacktown.

People attending the new testing site are advised to stay inside their vehicle at all times and  follow directions from health staff. Testing is free and a referral from your doctor is not necessary.

People line up for COVID-19 testing at a pop-up clinic at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney on 29 July. Source: AAP

The clinic will complement existing pop-up clinics in Castle Hill Showground, Parramatta Community Health Centre, Merrylands Park and Western Sydney University Parramatta South campus.

According to Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) chief executive Graeme Loy, they are ready to provide Western Sydney residents more options for testing.

“We are actively monitoring cases in Western Sydney and are prepared to set up more clinics to protect our community by providing safe, easy and convenient access to testing,” Graeme said.

Other pop-up clinics

More than 20 testing clinics have been setup across Western Sydney Local Health District, including a mobile testing clinic at Kildare Road led by Dr Humphris.

The mobile clinic, which is located in a car park at the back of her clinic, was established to support the community Source: Angelica Logarta-Scott

“The test involves a swab in the throat and nasopharynx, which is through the nose. It takes about five seconds to do the test and it can be uncomfortable but not painful," says Dr Angelica Logarta-Scott, one of the doctors at the carpark clinic.

Find your nearest coronavirus testing clinic

Get tested

If you have any symptoms, it is important you self-isolate and arrange to get tested. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a sore throat, cough, high temperature or unexplained tiredness.

Dr Logarta-Scott urges the wider community to do their part in protecting themselves and each other.

"Stay at home and only go out when necessary. Get your flu shot so you are at least protected from influenza A or B. Maintain social distancing, wash your hands for 20-30 seconds and don't touch your face."

She also urges people to utilise telehealth and call their GP and psychologist for any physical and mental concerns they may have.

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