Six truck-friendly COVID-19 testing sites in regional New South Wales will remain open, following urgent requests by the National Road Transport Association.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says it will delay the planned closures at Ballina, Narrandera, Taree, Tarcutta, Marulan and Yass until the end of January.
In a note to NatRoad overnight, TfNSW says "It acknowledges the efforts of the freight industry to continue to transport critical supplies across the country in challenging circumstances".
"As such, to continue to support the freight industry in managing its operations, the six TfNSW COVID-19 testing sites will remain open for asymptomatic testing."
The 24-hour testing sites were due to close on January 17. Narrandera COVID-19 testing site will be available 9am-5pm, 7 days a week.
"Given the uncertainty of Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) supplies until more arrive from overseas, this is welcome news," said NatRoad CEO Warren Clark.
"TfNSW will continue to monitor demand at each site and will communicate its plans for decommissioning the sites once confirmed.
"It's reminding drivers who have COVID-19 symptoms to complete a RAT at home or a PCR test at a local NSW community testing clinic.
"And of course mask wearing, vaccinations, physical distancing, maintaining good hygiene, cleaning workplaces and health surveillance controls remain critical to reducing the risks of COVID-19."
