Newcastle: Six lane drive-through coronavirus screening clinic set up at McDonald Jones Stadium
You usually go there to see a sporting bonanza but McDonald Jones Stadium is now set to become a massive six-lane COVID-19 screening clinic.
Newcastle
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Home to the Hunter’s sporting elite will now become a massive screening clinic for COVID-19.
A six-lane, drive-through COVID-19 clinic, that can swab up to 900 people a day, will open at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday for ten days.
Those who have even an inkling of flu-like symptoms are being urged to drive through and getting tested.
All you have to do is call ahead and make an appointment.
Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said although case numbers were stabilising in the region, the drive-through clinic will assist efforts to capture any COVID-19 cases still circulating in the community.
“With Mother’s Day fast approaching, this is a great opportunity for Newcastle locals who have symptoms to be screened for COVID-19,” Dr Durrheim said.
“It will still be important to observe physical distancing and not visit even if you are slightly unwell, but it may put some peoples’ mind at ease that the new symptoms are not COVID-19.
“Beating COVID-19 is a team sport and we’re asking all locals to play their part.”
Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath, are urged to get tested.
People who have even mild symptoms such as fatigue, new muscle aches or pains, a change in taste or smell or a new runny nose can also contact the clinic to arrange testing.
People can call the clinic today to make an appointment to get tested, on 4964 7497.
The drive-through clinic will operate 8am to 4.30pm until Sunday May 17.
Hunter New England Health will also continue to operate clinics at Calvary Mater Newcastle, John Hunter, Maitland, and Belmont hospitals.