Hundreds of Illawarra residents have faced hours-long waits for COVID-19 tests on Tuesday as the local health district reports a record number of new cases of the virus.
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More than 200 people within the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District tested positive for COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm Monday - the largest daily figure recorded in the district since the pandemic began.
Of the 211 new cases, 141 are from the Wollongong local government area, 39 are from Shellharbour, 20 are from Shoalhaven, and 11 are from Kiama.
The new cases in the district bring the total seen since June this year to almost 4000.
They are among the 6062 new cases of community transmission recorded in NSW in the same 24-hour period.
There are 557 people with COVID in hospital, with 60 people in intensive care, 19 of whom require ventilation.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven's hospitals are treating 14 people hospitalised as a result of COVID.
NSW Health has also reported the death of one person, a man in his 80s from western Sydney who was unvaccinated and had underlying health conditions.
Meanwhile, people continue to experience long waits for COVID tests at clinics in the Illawarra and other parts of the state.
The region's testing sites are facing increased demand amid soaring case numbers and some interstate travellers needing tests before crossing the border.
Several Illawarra clinics also have reduced opening hours over the holiday period, adding to the pressure.
At the drive-through clinics at Berkeley and Fairy Meadow on Tuesday, people who had reached the top of the queues reported waiting times of four to five hours.
Among those waiting at Fairy Meadow's North Dalton Park was Thirroul resident Nicole King and her four-month-old daughter Amelie, who needed tests ahead of a planned trip to Queensland.
Miss King said she arrived at the testing site in Bulli shortly before 8am, but the staff there were already turning people away because they were at capacity, before they had even opened.
Miss King's mother had to come along to keep Amelie occupied and give her time out of the car.
East Corrimal's George Tilley came prepared for a long wait, keeping himself occupied with a book.
Before Christmas he had been out shopping with his father, who later received a notification that a COVID case had attended a shop they'd also visited.
When Mr Tilley then found himself fatigued and experiencing a headache, he thought it was best to get tested.
Meanwhile Rob Nesto and his family were in line because they were identified as close contacts of someone with COVID.
"Rapid antigen tests would be a blessing for everybody," the Woonona resident said.
Yasmin Jenkin was yesterday awaiting her test results after spending eight and a half hours in the line at the same site on Monday, having developed COVID symptoms.
Mrs Jenkin thanked the staff for their professionalism and friendliness despite a long day testing people in muggy, wet conditions.
"I definitely felt for them," she said.
Louise and Chris Stanton were at the Berkeley site, getting tested more than four and a half hours after they arrived.
Mrs Stanton said a portaloo was needed at testing sites.
NSW Health said testing capacity was under "enormous pressure" and the only people who should undergo a PCR test were those who have COVID symptoms, live with a confirmed COVID case, or had been in a venue where NSW Health had determined there was high transmission of the virus.
"Please only get a PCR test if you are required to do so... We are still seeing many people in those queues who do not need to be there," Premier Dominic Perrottet said.
Those who do not fall into any of the aforementioned categories are advised to get a rapid antigen test instead.
However, there is high demand for them also, leading to shortages in some places.
Keira MP and Labor health spokesman Ryan Park has called on Mr Perrottet to seek help from the Commonwealth as the health system continues to experience strain.
The proportion of people in NSW aged 16 and over who have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine now sits at 95 per cent, with 93.5 per cent fully vaccinated.
Of children aged 12 to 15, 81.6 per cent have received a first dose of the vaccine, and 78.3 per cent have received two doses.
NSW Health also urges adults who are eligible for a booster dose to receive it as soon as possible.
The gap between the second dose and the booster shot is currently five months, but from January 4 people will be able to have the booster four months after their second jab.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
