HUNTER New England Health says it expects a major uptick in demand for coronavirus testing after Thursday's confirmation of a second case within 24 hours.
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A man in his 20s has visited a range of venues including Wests New Lambton, Queens Wharf Hotel, the Bennett Hotel, the Greenroof, the Sydney Junction Hotel and Sushi Revolution on Beaumont Street between Friday and Sunday.
Dr Taylor said the district expected a spike in testing.
"To ensure we can best serve the community during this time, we have enhanced our local testing capability," Dr Taylor said.
"In addition to expanding our call centre capacity and the number of phone lines available to improve booking wait times, we will extend hours and capacity at a number of local clinics.
"However, please be patient if visiting a clinic or calling for a booking. We have thousands of testing opportunities throughout the course of today and will see people as quickly as possible."
Demand spiked on Monday after Wallsend Diggers, Hotel Jesmond and the Lambton Park Hotel were closed for cleaning alongside Toronto Drug Court.
Walk-in clinics
The John Hunter Hospital clinic, open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. The clinic is walk in only and no appointment is required.
The Calvary Mater Newcastle clinic, open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The clinic is walk in only and no appointment is required.
The Maitland Hospital clinic, open 9am to 4pm, seven days a week. Appointment bookings are preferred, but not required, and can be made by calling 4939 2585 during operating hours.
Drive through clinics
The Belmont Hospital drive through clinic, open 8am - 4pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the clinic on 4923 2211 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending.
The Cessnock Hospital drive through clinic, open 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Those wishing to be tested must contact the clinic on 4991 0436 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending.
The Tomaree drive through clinic (20 Aquatic Close, Nelson Bay), open 9am to 3pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the drive-through clinic on 4964 7497 to arrange an appointment prior to attending.
The University drive through clinic also continues to operate 8am to 4pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the drive-through clinic on 4964 7497 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending.
Private clinics
4Cyte Pathology's COVID-19 clinic at Central Church Warners Bay (290 Hillsborough Rd), which operates between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 11am Saturdays, and no booking is required. More information can be found on their website at www.medtechservices.net.au.
Laverty's Adamstown Drive Through COVID-19 clinic (91 Victoria Street). The clinic operates between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and 9am and 4pm Saturdays, and no booking is required.
Laverty's Tomaree Hospital Clinic is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. No booking is required, but a referral from your GP is preferred prior to attending this clinic.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
