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.
As case numbers remained stable at 277 in Hunter New England on Tuesday, public health officials hope a new 10-day drive-through testing clinic at the stadium will help "capture" any cases of coronavirus 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," Hunter New England public health physician, Dr David 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 being 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.
Across Hunter New England, 28,769 people have been tested for COVID-19, with 0.96 of tests returning positive.
NSW now has the capacity to test more than 8000 people a day.
In addition to the McDonald Jones Stadium service, Hunter New England Health continues to operate clinics at Calvary Mater Newcastle, John Hunter, Maitland, and Belmont hospitals for Newcastle and Hunter locals.
Testing is by appointment only, which can be made from Wednesday.
Those wishing to be tested can contact the drive-through clinic on 4964 7497 to arrange an appointment, prior to attending.
The clinic will operate 8am to 4.30pm from Friday, May 8, until Sunday, May 17.
-
Hunter petrol cheapest in 15 years as prices plummet below 90c/l
-
'Incredibly strong potential': Hunter company's ventilator on state goverment shortlist
-
'This time will pass': Mental health experts urge people to seek help if distressed
-
Australia-New Zealand bubble hopes growing
- Hunter schools exceed new enrolment caps
