BY ISABEL EVERETT
Hunter New England Local Health is calling on locals with fever or recent onset respiratory symptoms to contact their GP, private pathology laboratories, or the free COVID-19 clinics at Belmont or John Hunter hospitals for screening.
Testing will focus on residents from Valentine, Belmont, Mt Hutton, Windale and Croudace Bay.
Public Health Physician, Dr David Durrheim said the screening blitz in eastern Lake Macquarie will give the District the best chance of identifying a potential cluster early, and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
“We’ve identified some positive cases of COVID-19 in eastern Lake Macquarie where we don’t know the source of the infection,” he says.
“So it is now important we test this community widely to see if there is genuine community transmission. Extensive contact tracing and quarantining is vital, and identifying transmission early is our best chance at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the community."
He says those with symptoms or who've recently traveled internationally, or on a cruise ship, or been in touch with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 should call one of the clinics, or contact their local GP for screening and testing.
Dr Durrheim has also asked that anyone who is exhibiting symptoms to isolate at home, and call ahead when attending GPs and clinics for testing.
The Belmont Hospital Clinic is a drive-through service where people are screened via phone before presenting. For screening, please call 4923 2211 between 8am-4.00pm, seven days a week.
The John Hunter Hospital Clinic is currently operating seven days per week, Monday through Sunday, from 8am-10.30pm.
Signage at the hospital’s main entrance will direct people to the nearby screening station.
Hunter New England Health is also operating clinics at Calvary Mater Newcastle, Maitland, and Manning hospitals.
