Coronavirus Testing in Cumberland, Parramatta and The Hills
Written by Darryn Capes-Davis on 19 April 2020
Alive 90.5 FM thanks the Community Resource Network for sharing this important information.
Information From: Dept Health NSW
Expanded COVID Testing for Blacktown LGA, Cumberland LGA and Westmead (2145).
- COVID-19 testing criteria has been expanded.
- Testing is now available for people who live or work in Blacktown LGA, Cumberland LGA, or postcode 2145 (Westmead and surrounds)
AND
- Who have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
Why has the testing criteria been expanded?
A number of areas across NSW have been targeted for increased testing due to a small number of cases where the source of infection has not been identified (meaning there is no known link to another case).
By increasing testing in these areas, public health is able to investigate if any community transmission is occurring, and to ensure that all cases are identified and followed up by the public health unit.
Increased testing in these areas will help monitor and control community spread.
Who can be tested?
If you have a fever (or history of a fever), cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, and you live or work in:
Blacktown Local Government Area (includes 48 suburbs)
Cumberland Local Government Area (includes 28 suburbs)
Postcode 2145 (Westmead and surrounding suburbs)
Have had close contact with a confirmed case in the 14 days prior to their illness onsetHave travelled overseas in the 14 days prior to their illness onsetHave been on a cruise ship (passenger or crew) in the 14 days prior to their illness onsetSelf-identify as AboriginalAre healthcare workers, aged or residential care workers.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/2019-ncov-case-definition.aspx#suspect
Where to get tested:
GPs can perform testing, or testing can be performed at public or private clinics. To find the nearest public COVID-19 clinic location go to: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus-clinics.aspxhttps://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 before visiting a clinic.