The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) announced Monday morning that their testing clinic on Murray Street will be open from 9am to 4pm today and tomorrow, December 27 and 28.

Initially, the clinic was scheduled to close at 12pm both days. However, on Boxing Day dozens of people were still lining up to receive a COVID test well into the afternoon, hours after the clinic was due to close.

At 9am on Monday, just as the clinic was preparing to open, people were already seen queuing around the corner and right down the length of Forsyth Street, well past Ray Ray's Diner and the Salvation Army.

Additionally, the Wagga Showgrounds drive-through clinic will be open today and tomorrow from 10am to 6pm.

The drive-through clinic was originally set to stay closed on Public Holidays.

Increased socialising for Christmas, and the requirement for people to return a negative PCR test in order to travel interstate to destinations such as Queensland, is prompting the increased demand for testing.

The MLHD has warned people to expect delays at both testing sites, encouraging people to bring a drink of water, as well as a sunhat and portable chair if they are planning to queue at Murray Street.

Additionally, the health district is urging people to be patient with the staff members on-site working "as fast as they can to process each person requiring a test".

In an effort to ease pressure on testing clinics, NSW Health said in a statement yesterday it encourages people to only get a PCR test if they have COVID-19 symptoms, are a household contact, have a high or moderate risk exposure to the virus or have been directed to take a test by NSW Health or the Department of Education.

"Interstate travellers are still able to get a PCR test at NSW COVID-19 testing clinics," the statement continued.

"If you receive a case alert in your Service NSW app, please monitor for symptoms and only get a PCR test if you feel unwell."

IN OTHER NEWS:

On Monday the state recorded 6324 new cases of the virus from 97,241 tests, down slightly from yesterday's record 6394 cases.

Further details, including a breakdown of these cases into local health districts, is expected later this morning.

For further testing locations across the district go to www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au, or for help accessing a test call the Murrumbidgee COVID-19 Hotline 1800 831 099.

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