Drive-through COVID-19 Testing Comes to Forbes
Testing services in Western NSW continues to expand as residents of Forbes now have access to a local COVID-19 testing service.
Laverty Pathology is now operating a drive-through testing service three days per week in a concerted effort to strengthen the community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, says “Previously the testing services have been sporadic, and this will provide an ongoing opportunity for testing for the community and provide reassurance in these difficult times.”
Mayor Miller added, “It is so important we keep up this vigilance, as even the mildest of symptoms can be associated with the disease.”
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) CEO, Andrew Harvey, has applauded Laverty Pathology, Forbes Shire Council, and the local community in working with WNSW PHN in establishing this service.
“This has been another brilliant example in our region of a local community working collaboratively to keep each other safe during this extraordinary time,” Mr Harvey said.
“This service is absolutely integral to ensuring that the residents and the community of Forbes are well-placed to respond to any detection of COVID-19 locally.”
Mr Harvey added “I encourage everyone in the Forbes community and surrounding area that are suffering from any cold or flu-like symptoms, cough, runny nose, high temperature, itchy throat, no matter how mild, to be tested at this new service and stay home.”
Laverty Pathology is operating the drive-through service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8am and 1pm at 40-70 Church Street Forbes, with entry via Hill Street.
Forbes residents wishing to attend the drive-through service are required to call their usual GP for a referral.
Patients will require to present their ID, Medicare Card and GP reference, and are advised to not exit their vehicle at any time. Test results will be provided to each patient’s usual GP, while negative test results can also be provided to the patient’s mobile phone via SMS.
A booking is not required for patients to be tested, and testing is available for all ages, including young children.