A testing clinic for COVID-19 opened in Armidale on Monday as Hunter New England Health (HNEH) launched a week-long blitz.
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With case numbers stabilising across the entire health district, HNEH is targeting areas with relatively low testing rates to try and map the occurance and spread of COVID-19 in the community.
In the latest 24-hour testing period to 8pm on Monday, no new patients were recorded in the HNEH district and only five new cases were confirmed across the state.
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NSW Health information shows the HNEH district remains at a total of 280 cases, with 221 recovered.
HNEH said one COVID-19 patient is being cared for in a Hunter New England hospital, and 12 are receiving Hospital in the Home support.
NSW now has a total of 3009 cases, and 2243 patients have officially recovered.
Armidale was selected as a site for COVID-19 testing, because the testing rate until now had been low.
The testing rate for COVID-19 locally had been nine people per 1000 head of population, compared to the greater Newcastle area which was at 20 people per 1000 population.
The eligibility criteria for testing has been significantly eased, allowing anyone who has flu or cold like symptoms including a fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath to be tested.
Public health physician Dr David Durrheim said the only way to rule out a COVID-19 problem was to test people.
"Our goal for blitz week is to push testing rates as high as possible so we can be absolutely sure there is no COVID-19 risk for the people in these towns. We don't expect to find big numbers of cases - or indeed many at all - but testing is the only way we will know for sure," he said.
Dr Durrheim said locals showing symptoms of the infection like a fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath should get tested.
Residents who have been overseas, on a cruise ship or in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case should also get tested.
"If you don't have symptoms or risk factors but are concerned about your health, you can also contact your local clinic to arrange testing," Dr Durrheim said.
The Armidale clinic is open from 10am to 2pm until Friday, May 1. HNEH have asked people to call 0427 923 080 between 9am and 4.30pm on testing days, to register before attending.
The drive-through clinics are expected to be available for a limited time period, but could be extended depending on demand.
Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate at home.