Community COVID-19 swabbing centre re-opens in Thames - Mobile testing centre hits the road
A dedicated community-based swabbing centre for COVID-19 is back up and running in Thames, supported by a Mobile Testing clinic, which will travel to rural areas throughout the Hauraki rohe from Thursday, August 13.
The Thames testing station will be run from the carpark of Thames health provider Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki at 210 Richmond Street.
Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki General Practitioner Martin Mikaere, who is the Clinical Lead for the Thames clinic, says the testing centre is open to everyone in the community, but they must phone ahead first, so that the dedicated team are prepared for their arrival.
“Anybody who suspects they have COVID-19 must ring the clinic in advance on Freephone 0508 835 676 (0508tekorowai) and further directions will be given thereafter,” he says.
People must remain in their cars on arrival until they are seen by one of the Te Korowai health team. They must not come into the clinic.
The Thames clinic will be open for testing Monday to Friday from 9am-12noon and 1-4pm; and this Saturday and Sunday 9-3pm. We will notify of arrangements for next week as we learn more about the Government’s plans.
The same procedure applies to people attending the Mobile Clinics – they will need to remain in their cars until they are triaged and assessed for swabbing.
The Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki Mobile Clinic timetable is:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 - Haratanga School House driveway 9-11am; Manaia Marae, 1-3pm.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 - Waihi Marae 9-11am; Paeroa 1-3pm.
MONDAY, AUGUST 17 - Kerepēhi Marae 9-11am, Kaiaua 1-3pm.
The Thames Whānau Health Centre and mobile clinic will only be operating as COVID-19 testing centres. Anyone who is unwell for conditions not related to COVID-19 must phone their regular GP, who will give instructions as to procedure.
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to a range of other illnesses such as the flu and include fever, coughing, body aches, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
For updates and more information, go to our Facebook Page: Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki or website: www.korowai.co.nz... or visit the Ministry of health website www.health.govt.nz...
For more information, contact
Jo Belworthy
Communications Contractor
Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki
Email: joann.belworthy@korowai.co.nz
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
75.7% Yes
-
22.9% No
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
81.9% Yes
-
15.5% No
-
2.7% Other - I'll share below