The Waikato District Health Board is in the process of establishing Community Based Assessment Centres (CBAC) throughout the Waikato with four centres expected to be up and running within the next seven days, commencing with a drive-thru facility at Claudelands Event Centre today.
"As the situation develops the intention is that these centres would take the pressure off the GPs who are currently processing a number of patients who require an assessment for COVID-19" said Waikato DHB clinical director of planning, Dr Damian Tomic,
"It is important for people to understand that just because they come to these centres they will not automatically be swabbed for COVID-19. You will be greeted at the centre by trained medical professionals who will ask you a number of questions and take a temperature check."
"Based on the information provided, the medical personnel will make a decision as to whether you require a swab or not," saId Dr Tomic.
The centres will be established throughout the Waikato including the rural areas like Taumuranui.