Clayton Barr MP, State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock announced due to demand the Cessnock District Hospital COVID-19 drive thru testing clinic has been extended until Saturday 13 June.
Originally the clinic was to finish on Tuesday 26 May but has been extended once again. From 3 June the testing facility will operate Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm. It will be closed Monday 8th June due to the public holiday. To be tested residents must book an appointment by calling 4991 0436.
“This is great news with the easing of a number of restrictions across NSW and the increase in activity across the local area” said Mr Barr.
Mr Barr has campaigned for a testing facility to be part of either Cessnock or Kurri Kurri Hospitals to bring Cessnock LGA testing rates up to similar levels as other LGAs in the Hunter region.
Across the Cessnock LGA 2,723 tests have been performed bringing the rate of testing in the LGA to 4.7% of the population.
According to data provided by Hunter New England Health the testing facility has conducted over 804 tests since the facility was opened on 20 May 2020.
[custom_table style=”1″]| Appointment Date | Frequency |
| 20 May 2020 | 37 |
| 21 May 2020 | 59 |
| 22 May 2020 | 73 |
| 23 May 2020 | 75 |
| 24 May 2020 | 79 |
| 25 May 2020 | 70 |
| 26 May 2020 | 80 |
| 27 May 2020 | 79 |
| 28 May 2020 | 79 |
| 29 May 2020 | 80 |
| 30 May 2020 | 51 |
| 31 May 2020 | 42 |
“For all communities the best way to move forward and manage the pandemic is to have information and the information gathered through testing is invaluable.”
“Identifying sources of the virus is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community” said Mr Barr.
“While we have a local testing facility I would encourage anyone who has any symptoms, even mild ones, or who wishes to be tested to make a booking by calling 4991 0436”said Mr Barr.