As Wollongong gets used to a life where face masks are mandatory in many public indoor settings, Kiama MP Gareth Ward is pleading with Shoalhaven and Shellharbour residents to come forward for COVID testing and wear a face mask in public areas, regardless of whether they're in the Wollongong region or not.
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"If you have visited a venue with a confirmed COVID case, please get tested," he said in a statement recently.
"Don't just do it for yourself. Do it for your family, friends and our community."
According to Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District figures, 37,125 COVID tests have been completed in the Shoalhaven to date.
By January 2, 1201 tests had been carried out in the last seven days and the average daily test number was 171.6.
The busiest days in the same period were December 30 which saw 221 people tested, and New Year's Eve with 259 tests carried out.
From Monday, January 4 face masks became mandatory in Wollongong shopping centres, public transport, indoor entertainment, places of worship and hair and beauty premises.
Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
The "Wollongong area" refers to the Local Government Area, which includes all suburbs from Helensburgh to Dapto.
A number of COVID testing clinics are located across Kiama, Nowra and Milton-Ulladulla.
Even if you've been tested before but are still displaying symptoms, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is encouraging people to be tested again.
The following is a list of testing clinics currently in operation:
- Kiama Laverty drive-through clinic at Kiama Leisure Centre: 1 Havilah Place (entry via Terralong St Netball Carpark) Note: no appointment, no doctor referral required. Note: drive-through only available 8am-4pm - 7 days.
- Milton Ulladulla Hospital:106 Princes Highway, 4454 9100 Note: no appointment, no doctor referral required 9am-5:30pm - 7 days
- Shoalhaven Hospital: 2 Scenic Drive Location: Hospital in the Home (HITH) area, 1300 002 108. Note: no appointment, no doctor referral required, 8:30am-4:30pm - 7 days
- Nowra Showground Southern IML Pathology - drive-through, West Street. Note: no appointment, no doctor referral required, 9am-5pm - 7 days
- Nowra Southern IML Pathology 57 Junction St: 4423 3111. Note: no appointment, no doctor referral, 9am-5pm - 7 days.
