Merrylands: Coronavirus drive-through testing clinic at Stockland shopping centre
A drive-through testing clinic has opened in a community formerly identified as a NSW coronavirus hotspot.
Parramatta
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It has been one of NSW’s coronavirus hotspots for community transmission and now a drive-through clinic has opened at Stockland Merrylands carpark.
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) opened the drive-through testing clinic at the carpark, which can be entered via Treves or Pitt streets.
The clinic — which is at the Kmart end on level three — will provide a faster COVID-19 swab test for people with symptoms, with most tests done in 10 minutes.
A doctor’s referral will be required to attend the clinic.
Despite NSW Health targeting no areas for increased testing and surveillance, the public is being urged to get tested even for mild symptoms.
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“Getting tested is quick, free and safe,’’ WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy said.
“Clinics use strict measures to prevent the risk of transmission.’’
Coronavirus symptoms include cough, a sore throat, fever and fatigue.
The clinic will also have interpreter resources with more than 120 languages.
Last month, two groups of Girraween residents who tested positive to coronavirus failed to follow self isolation rules after disembarking from the ill-fated Ruby Princess ship could have been responsible for transmitting COVID-19 in the Cumberland community.
Suburbs under the 2145 postcode were a COVID-19 hotspot for several weeks.
On April 18, 40 cases were confirmed in the postcode.
As of today, 422,073 people in NSW have been tested, 3090 have had COVID-19, 2656 have recovered and 50 have died.
The new clinic is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Other clinics in the community include Auburn Hospital and 148 Great Western Highway Westmead.
For testing advice, call your GP or the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.