Before the start of the Easter long weekend it is typically police warning the public of a testing blitz for drink and drug driving but during these unprecedented times it is Hunter New England Health's announcement of a COVID-19 'screening blitz' that has taken centre stage.
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Valentine, Belmont, Mt Hutton, Windale and Croudace Bay residents with a fever or a recent onset of respiratory symptoms are being urged to contact their GP, a private pathology laboratory or a free testing clinic after three confirmed COVID-19 cases with an unknown source of infection were identified in eastern Lake Macquarie.
Public health physician Dr David Durrheim said the Eastlakes screening blitz will give HNEH the best chance of identifying a potential cluster early and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
"It is now important we test this community widely to see if there is genuine community transmission," he said. "Extensive contact tracing and quarantining is vital, and identifying transmission early is our best chance at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
"If you live in the Valentine, Belmont, Mt Hutton, Windale and Croudace Bay areas and you have experienced fever or the recent onset of respiratory symptoms, including a cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat, we want to hear from you.
"Likewise if you've recently travelled internationally, or on a cruise ship, or been in touch with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, please call one of the clinics, or contact your local GP for screening and testing."
The Belmont Hospital clinic is a drive-through service where people are screened via phone before presenting. For screening phone (02) 4923 2211 between 8am-4pm, seven days a week.
The John Hunter Hospital clinic is currently operating seven days per week from 8am-10.30pm. Signage at the hospital's main entrance will direct people to the nearby screening station. Both are free.
HNEH is also operating COVID-19 clinics at Calvary Mater and Maitland hospitals.
As of Wednesday, there were 254 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the HNEH District. Of those, 49 were in Newcastle and 46 in Lake Macquarie.
NSW Police is also reminding the public that, while travelling for holidays is not considered 'essential', officers will still be out in force across the Easter long weekend.
Operation Tortoise, a state-wide road safety operation during the Easter long weekend, will see officers targeting speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.
Double demerits will apply to these offences starting from midnight on Thursday, April 9 to 11.59pm on Monday, April 13.