Thousands of people have been flocking to Covid testing centres this week, with waiting times of up to six hours in long queues, following a fifth confirmed COVID-19 case in the 2262 postcode area.
The 2262 area covers Blue Haven, Budgewoi, Buff Point, Colongra, Doyalson, Halekulani and San Remo.
Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) announced 18 exposure sites where people may have been unknowingly exposed to COVID-19.
CCLHD put out a Public Health Alert on Saturday, July 24, that four residents had been diagnosed with COVID-19, but health authorities said they posed no risk to the community.
The first case was linked to a known case at a construction site in Sydney and the three others were household contacts who were all in self-isolation at their home.
Another person in the household, who originally tested negative to COVID-19, has now fallen victim to the disease, becoming the fifth case on the Coast.
The household, including the five confirmed COVID cases and two other people in the household who so far have tested negative, have been moved to Special Health Accommodation in Sydney to isolate, with health staff undertaking daily wellness checks.
More Public Health Alerts were issued on Sunday, listing a raft of exposure sites but particularly H&R Block at 1/266 Main Rd, Toukley.
Anyone who was there on Friday, July 23 between 1.40pm and 2.15pm is a close contact and must be tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the results.
They should call 1800 943 553 unless they have already been contacted by NSW Health.
Those who attended the following venues at the times listed were casual COVID contacts who must immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
CCLHD said you must get another test on day five from the date of exposure, wear a mask around others and limit your movements until you get another negative result.
Stockade Meats, the butcher’s shop at 75 Scenic Dr, Budgewoi, was an exposure site between 3.40pm and 4pm on Thursday, July 22.
It was closed for deep cleaning.
Singletons Butchery, Northlakes shopping centre, San Remo, was also an exposure site on Wednesday, July 21, from 1.55pm to 2.05pm.
Another exposure site was Northlakes shopping centre, 17-21 Pacific Highway, San Remo, on Wednesday, July 21, 1.55pm to 2.20pm; Thursday, July 22, 11.05am to 11.30am; Friday, July 23, 2.20pm to 3.05pm; Saturday, July 24, 1pm to 1.15pm and Sunday, July 25, 9.40am to 10.15am.
Coles San Remo was included for Wednesday, July 21, 2.05pm to 2.20pm; Friday, July 23, 2.35pm to 2.50pm.
Priceline Pharmacy Northlakes was an exposure site on Thursday, July 22, 11am to 11.30am; and Friday, July 23, 2.20pm to 2.40pm.
The Coles side of Westfield Tuggerah at 50 Wyong Rd, Tuggerah was an exposure site on Friday, July 23, 12.20pm to 1pm, including Dan Murphy Westfield Tuggerah, Friday, July 23, 12.20pm to 12.30pm; Smokemart Westfield Tuggerah, Friday, July 23, 12.25pm to 12.30pm; Coles, Westfield Tuggerah, Friday, July 23, 12.30pm to 1pm.
First Choice Liquor San Remo was exposed on Friday, July 23, 2.50pm to 3.05pm; Saturday, July 24, 1pm to 1.15pm.
Lake Haven shopping centre, Saturday, July 24, 10.15am to 10.25am.
Priceline Pharmacy, Lake Haven shopping centre, Saturday, July 24, 10.20am to 10.40am.
Lake Haven Post Office, 121/43 Lake Haven Dr, Saturday, July 24, 10.35am to 10.50am.
Bunnings, cnr Chelmsford Rd and Pacific Highway, Charmhaven, Saturday, July 24, 12.25pm to 12.45pm and 1.25pm to 1.45pm.
Hip Pocket Workwear, 5/6 Botham Cl, Charmhaven, Saturday, July 24, 12.45pm to 12.55pm.
Charmhaven Newsagency, Northlakes shopping centre, 15/17 Pacific Highway, San Remo, Sunday, July 25, between 9.40am and 9.50am.
Health advice is that if any symptoms of COVID-19 occur, no matter how mild, people should get tested immediately and self-isolate until receiving a negative result.
COVID symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and loss of taste or smell.
Testing clinics are at Wyong and Gosford hospital every day from 9am to 5pm; Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club drive-through clinic on weekdays from 7.30am to 4.30pm and weekends from 8am to 3pm; Kanwal Laverty Pathology drive-through clinic on weekdays from 7.30am to 6.30pm and weekends from 7.30am to 3pm; Bateau Bay Clinical Labs Pathology at The Entrance Leagues Club on weekdays from 8am to 4pm, Saturday 8am to 3pm and Sunday 8am to 2pm; and Tuggerah Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology drive-through clinic on weekdays from 7.30am to 4.30pm and weekend from 8am to 3pm.
Sue Murray
Not surprised at covid north of Wyong disregard for social distancing,you move away they take a step closer. Frustration!
If we could just please ask people from the central coast to stay away from Sydney please. Covid is not getting any better. Have you not noticed This!!!!@
We all have to pull together and stop this deadly virus spreading stay at home full stop!don’t be selfish and put others lives at risk..mask up,get tested,and get vaccinations.
The Entrance public footway, the park, the sandy open areas ON WEEKENDS are noticeably patronised by NON LOCALS. Where do these people actually come from. In family groups of 4+ enjoying picnic-like gatherings which are NOT PERMITTED. I am a local, 7minute walk to the Pelican feeding spot. I have NEVER seen the police SPOT CHECK ID’s to ensure that people arent disregarding Covid advice, STAY WITHIN YOUR LOCAL GOV AREA. Dont meet in family or friend groups and endanger yourselves and others.
umm some of these 4+ familys are actually familys so you cant really say it
there was also a case at chittaway