Tamworth COVID-19: coronavirus testing ramps up with clinics opening across New England North West

Despite the big increase in testing, no new COVID-19 cases were recorded across the local health district in the latest 24-hour testing period to 8pm Sunday.

A drive-through screening clinic operating at the Tamworth hospital's 'Car park E ' has had the highest proportion of tests in town.

The temporary clinic was launched on April 27 as part of a test blitz by Hunter New England Health (HNEH) and is expected to close on May 15, after being extended twice due to demand.

Appointments for the drive-through clinic must be booked in advance by calling 1800 881 568.

Tamworth hospital's emergency department is equipped to test people for the virus when the specialty screening service closes, and GPs can also help locals arrange a test.

NSW Health lists the new Tamworth Respiratory Clinic as up and running and taking bookings online or over the phone.

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Douglass Hanly Moir pathology centre has been collecting coronavirus samples in the city and Laverty Pathology on Marius Street launched a drive-through testing service on Monday.

Anyone experiencing symptoms and in possession of a referral from their doctor will be able to use the drive-through clinic.

The confirmed coronavirus count for the city remains at 13 patients and HNEH confirmed on Friday there are no longer any confirmed active cases in the LGA.

The first drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic opens in Gunnedah on Tuesday at Laverty Pathology, as the service rolls out testing across its state network.

It's the first specialty coronavirus clinic in the town and people can be referred to the service by contacting their GP.

According to data from NSW Health, Gunnedah has one confirmed case of the virus.

Armidale is in its third week of a HNEH testing blitz and the specialised drive-through screening clinic at the local hospital has seen test numbers surge into the thousands.

The service is expected to close on May 15 and to book a test before then, people should call 0427 923 080.

Armidale had four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the latest update, but some of the patients have now recovered.

Moree has a dedicated coronavirus testing clinic at the town's hospital, but it is not drive-through. Current clients of Pius X Aboriginal Medical Service in Moree can also contact that service to arrange testing.

Moree has recorded one confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Health authorities have said locals who need to arrange a coronavirus test can also call their GP.

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