The Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) has asked South Coast residents to get tested for COVID-19 only if they have been to one of the ACT exposure locations or have symptoms.
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The ACT Government has declared all of NSW as a COVID-19 affected area, meaning anyone who lives outside approved postcodes and needs to travel to the ACT must seek an exemption to enter the Territory.
What are the approved postcodes?
- 2581 Gunning, Collector;
- 2582 Murrumbateman, Yass;
- 2584 Binalong;
- 2611 Uriarra;
- 2618 Wallaroo, areas along the ACT's north-western edge;
- 2619 Jerrabomberra;
- 2620 Queanbeyan, Googong, Karabar, Sutton, Gundaroo;
- 2621 Bungendore;
- 2623 Captains Flat; 2626 Bredbo and Michelago.
Should I get tested?
Many of the district's testing clinics are very busy today. While NSW residents who have been in the ACT since Thursday, August 5 are under stay at home orders, testing is not required as part of those orders.
People should get a test only if:
- They have been identified as a close or casual contact;
- They are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, dry cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat;
- They have visited a venue of concern/exposure site.
People who have been in the ACT recently should regularly check the ACT Health website for information.
A list of venues of concern is available here.
If you attended any of the venues identified at the times listed, please contact NSW Health immediately on 1800 943 553.
Where can I get tested?
A list of testing sites is available on the SNSWLHD website. Details of new pop up clinics will be added to the website in coming days.
During this period of high demand, the community is advised anyone seeking a test should be prepared to wait.
Take water and snacks and use the portaloos or outside toilets at the testing site. Please do not enter a health facility while you wait for your test.
Can I pre-register for a test?
Yes. People can pre-register for a COVID-19 test by calling 1800 318 248.
The support line is open daily from 7am to 5pm. The phone line is very busy today, SNSWLHD thanks everyone for their patience.
Pre-registration can also be done using the online enquiry form.
What if I'm a South Coast resident but I've been in the ACT recently?
The NSW Government has declared the ACT a COVID-19 hotspot, and anyone who has visited the area since Thursday, August 5 will need to stay at home and only leave their residence for approved reasons.
These include: shopping, medical care, caregiving, outdoor exercise with a member of your household or one other person, and work or education, if you cannot do it from home.
What if I'm in the ACT but need to return home to the South Coast?
From 5pm Thursday, August 12, anyone coming into NSW who has been in the ACT in the last 14 days must complete a declaration form. This can be completed in the 24-hour period before entering NSW or on arrival.
People must then follow the same stay-at-home orders Canberra is under when returning to NSW.
For people who travel frequently between the ACT and NSW, a declaration form only needs to be completed every 72 hours.
What if I have a medical appointment in Canberra?
NSW residents outside the approved postcodes who need to go to Canberra must seek an exemption to enter the ACT.
A NSW Health spokesperson said people with medical appointments in Canberra would receive an exemption once applied for, but they will need to follow the NSW Health advice to stay home once they returned to the South Coast.