A TESTING clinic for coronavirus at Cessnock District Hospital will run longer than originally planned due to high demand for screening.
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Cessnock MP Clayton Barr confirmed the drive-through clinic would continue until Tuesday next week. It had originally been due to wind up this week.
Testing can be booked between 10am and 6pm by calling 4991 0436.
"This is good news for the residents of Cessnock LGA who previously had to travel outside the LGA to be tested" Mr Barr said.
"Over the first five days we have seen the Cessnock LGA testing rates rise, with over 320 tests performed in the first five days alone.
"What is even more encouraging, is that out of the tests performed there are no confirmed cases."
The clinic has tested more than 70 people for three of the five days it operated, close to its 75-test capacity.
Mr Barr said NSW Data figures showed the Cessnock area's testing percentage had risen from 2.8 per cent to 3.9 per cent in the week the clinic was open.
The clinic is part of a region-wide bid to get on the front foot to find cases in the region given none have been detected for more than 30 days.
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Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
