Mr Ward listed headaches, fevers and pains as the symptoms he experienced on Tuesday before undergoing the self-test on Wednesday.

"Yesterday, I started to experience some mild symptoms," he said. "When I got home from work, those symptoms got worse overnight - cold sweats, headaches and aches and pains."

"I pinched a rapid antigen test from my mum. That came back very quickly as positive."

Read more: Health workers put in the 'firing line' during Omicron surge, says Shoalhaven surgeon

If a RAT returns a positive result, you must get a PCR (nose and throat swab) test for accuracy.

A Bomaderry resident, who cannot drive due to being vision impaired, Mr Ward travelled via bike to the nearest Histopath testing clinic at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre Carpark.

Advertised as open from 8am to 4pm on the ISLHD website, Mr Ward said he was confronted with a "closed" sign and left frustrated. He said the closure should have been communicated online.

"There's no excuse for it," he said. "I understand that there are staff shortages in terms of processing requests at this time of year."

"But saying you are open when you are not is unacceptable and wrong.

"I have demanded answers from the local health district and NSW Health Minister as to why this is the case."

Mr Ward said he empathised with anyone who has faced a similar issue.

"My experience is just the same as anyone else who is in our community and they are angry," he said.

"As the local member, I agree, not just on their behalf, but because I've experienced it as well."

According to the Histopath website, people can "expect longer wait times and temporary suspension of services at our clinics due to extreme weather conditions and local traffic congestion."

Hisopath were contacted for comment for further details.

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