As the number of COVID-19 cases in NSW remains low, increased testing is crucial to ensure new cases or outbreaks are identified and managed rapidly. There is now laboratory capacity to approximately double the volume of testing for COVID-19 in NSW.
General practice has a continuing role in promoting testing and ensuring appropriate measures are in place to ensure that people presenting with respiratory symptoms are managed within the practice environment with appropriate infection control measures.
Any patients who are showing signs of having COVID-19 should be tested. Find out more about the latest testing advice on the NSW Health website. Except in special circumstances, people who have recovered from COVID-19 should not be tested prior to release from isolation.
If you are conducting COVID-19 testing in your practice
You can request masks via our Mask Request form. The Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) and NSW Health have recently released the below guidance and information on specimen collection for COVID-19 testing:
- COVID-19 Swab Collection: Upper respiratory specimen (PHLN)
- Collection of nasal and throat swabs for respiratory virus testing (NSW Health)
If your practice is not testing patients for COVID-19
There are several COVID-19 testing facilities in Western Sydney, many of which have been developed in partnership with Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, the Commonwealth, local general practices and councils. COVID-19 testing is available at the below locations:
- Auburn
- Blacktown
- Bella Vista
- Carlingford
- Castle Hill
- Merrylands
- Mount Druitt
- Riverstone
- Seven Hills
- Westmead
Each testing facility has different requirements and to help you and your patients find the right option, we’ve created a fact sheet that provides an overview of services available, referral requirements and if an appointment is necessary.
Find out more information about local COVID-19 testing options by visiting our webpage.
NSW Health COVID-19 testing resources
- Just got tested for COVID-19? – brochure
- COVID-19 testing – factsheet
- Who should get tested at COVID-19 clinics? – poster
Visit the NSW Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) resources webpage to access more resources for your patients and practice.
You can also keep up-to-date with COVID-19 alerts, information and resources by visiting our COVID-19 webpage.