Whakatāne Covid-19 drive-through assessment centre to reduce hours

The Whakatāne Covid-19 assessment centre will no longer be testing on weekends. Photo / File

The Whakatāne Covid-19 assessment centre is reducing it's hours and will be open weekdays only from now on due to a drop in demand.

The Community Based Assessment Centre (CBAC), based at Whakatāne War Memorial Hall, will no longer be open on Saturday mornings.

The new opening hours of the CBAC, at the same location on Short St will be Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board Community Based Health Services lead Dr Joe Bourne said hours may continue to change depending on the level of demand, but the centre would operate for as long as needed.

"People with mild symptoms are safe to wait over the weekend and can attend on Monday," Bourne said.

He said there was no need to attend the emergency department at Whakatāne Hospital - which should be reserved for people who require urgent medical attention.

People with a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or runny nose are eligible to be seen at the drive-through facility.

All symptoms can be with or without a fever.

Those with an NHI number are asked to bring it.

People need to arrive at the drive-through assessment centre in a vehicle, only with those within their bubble.

GPs or Healthline should be called for advice if unsure if you meet the eligibility, or advice if you do not have a vehicle to get to the testing centre.