The Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service says it will run a COVID-19 testing clinic from next week, after the cases of the virus have been found in the Border's Aboriginal community.
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In a statement, AWAHS said the testing clinic was opening in response to the increase of COVID-19 positive cases, local exposure sites and recognised need within the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
"We would like to notify you that Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS) will be implementing a pop up testing/swabbing clinic," the spokesperson said.
The testing clinic will be at Glen Park, Glenroy, with entry from Ryan Road.
The clinic will run from Monday to Friday 10.30am to 3pm from Monday October 25 to Friday November 5.
The clinic is only open to the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service community and will test people who are a recognised personal close contact of a case, people who have been to an exposure site or people with respiratory symptoms.
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Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service chief executive David Noonan said he was concerned at the growing number of cases because Aboriginal people were more at risk from the virus.
"We would be urging people as quickly as possible to get their vaccinations," he said.
"And to make sure if they're exhibiting symptoms that they're tested and that they're doing everything possible to protect themselves and their family and community."
Mr Noonan said there had been an increase in the Aboriginal community coming forward for vaccination, but people needed to take protective measures until they got their second dose.
"I think the mood is very cautious and I think that people are a little bit fearful about the escalating numbers," he said.
Mr Noonan said people should reconsider non-essential movement and interaction around the community.
"When we have an outbreak in the community we have to be cautious about where we go and what we do and make sure you are logging in and using your QR codes," he said.
"Make sure you're identifiable and you know where you've been just in case you come in contact with somebody and you do get questioned, but I do think it is about limiting your movements a bit and just being a bit more cautious about where you're going and who your socialising with."
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