Coffs Harbor Neighborhood Center volunteers Michael with RATS for those who qualify for free trials
THE Neighborhood Center in Coffs Harbor has partnered with the NSW government to provide hundreds of free rapid antigen (RAT) tests to people who may have trouble accessing them.
Distribution has begun to people who identify the need; including people with disabilities, vulnerable multicultural communities, and Aboriginal communities.
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“Removing barriers to access to testing helps facilitate the early identification and treatment of COVID-19,” Di Woods, manager of the Coffs Harbor neighborhood center, told News Of The Area.
Natasha Maclaren-Jones, Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services, said: ” COVID-19 during the coming winter period “.
The government message says that as the weather cools, COVID drops can stay on the surface longer.
Some symptoms of COVID can be confused as signs of a cold or flu.
People who do not necessarily have easy access to RATs are more likely to delay symptoms to see if they just go away, but anything that delays early testing puts others around us at greater risk.
“By eliminating costs and providing them at the same time that people come in and collect their food support at the Neighborhood Center, we can support both the health and well-being of our community,” Di added.
If you have a disability, are a caregiver, or have difficulty accessing a RAT test at home if you need to take the test, tests are available from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at your neighborhood center. Coffs Harbor.
The collection will require the registration of data, which will be kept confidential.
The program will have an initial duration of four months, depending on the stock offer.
A government review will determine whether it should be extended to the end of winter.
People are reminded that if they pass a positive RAT, this result must be reported to the NSW Service.
By Andrea FERRARI