Friday 1 May 2020Health news2 minutes to read
West Coast DHB will be undertaking COVID-19 sentinel testing in Reefton and Springs Junction on Tuesday, 5 May 2020, says Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton.
“Residents from these two communities who want to be tested can come along to their nearest mobile testing station. No referral is needed as we are interesting in testing people with or without COVID-19 symptoms.
“If you are planning to come along, we ask that you stay in your car and our staff will come to you to get your details and answer any questions before you are tested. This will involve inserting a long swab (like an extended cotton bud) up one of your nostrils so a sample can be taken from the back of your nose/throat.”
Reefton’s testing station will be operating from 8.30am to 10.30am in the Reefton Racecourse’s Sports Complex building on Racecourse Road, Reefton and Springs Junction residents will find us in the G.A.S Station carpark on State Highway 7, Springs Junction between 1.00pm and 2.30pm.
“Sentinel testing helps us develop a better understanding of how and where COVID-19 is on the Coast and throughout New Zealand. We are currently finalising our plans for when and where future sentinel testing will take place across the Coast and will provide further information to the community shortly,” Dr Brunton says.
If you already have COVID-19 symptoms, please don’t wait until next Tuesday to get tested. Please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or phone your own doctor or local clinic; or contact Poutini Waiora (Māori Health and Social Service) – 0800 333 170. COVID-19 symptoms include high temperature (at least 38°C), cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing and runny nose, temporary loss of smell. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are like other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu. Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
Remember, we all play an important role in keeping ourselves, our family/whānau and friends safe.
ENDS
Page last updated: 16 December 2022
Is this page useful?