A drive-through testing clinic will be in operation at Kempsey's Riverside Park from noon Thursday in response to confirmation a 14-year-old girl from the Shire has tested positive to COVID-19.
The Kempsey community is urged to come forward for testing for even the mildest of symptoms and isolate until they have received their results.
The new drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic will open near the boat ramp at Kempsey's Riverside Park. This will require closure of:
- John Street, between Verge Street and Austral Street
- Eden Street, between Austral and Verge Street
Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNLCHD) chief executive Stewart Dowrick said more than 20,000 COVID tests have been undertaken in the Macleay region alone since last year.
"If you feel unwell please get a test. The number of people getting tested on the Mid North Coast has increased, including Kempsey, and I thank the community of Macleay in doing that," said Mr Dowrick.
"Our health care teams across the region have been wonderful. They are resilient, they are strong, they'll do it in all sorts of weather and I thank them for their support of our region and community."
"This is our first confirmed case in the district since April last year. Our Public Health teams are working with this young person and her family to identify close contacts and places of concern."
NSW Health will release details of exposure sites of concern as soon as possible.
The contact tracing will focus on potential sites between Kempsey and surrounds, and Newcastle.
Anyone who is a potential close contact will be notified directly by NSW Health.
Mr Dowrick said it has not been confirmed which variant the girl has contracted. Her family has isolated and will be tested today.
The Mid North Coast, like the rest of NSW, remains under stay-at-home lockdown orders until Sunday, August 22.
Kempsey Shire Council will continue to work with staff and residents to keep people informed of any updates or changing regulations.
