From NSW Police:

Police are urging drivers to be patient as COVID-19 testing demand increases across Lake Macquarie and the surrounding regions.

Lake Macquarie police and the Traffic & Highway Patrol are currently conducting a traffic operation across the region, with a heavy presence around the Morisset Showground.

Mandalong Road is currently experiencing delays extending back to the M1 Motorway, with several other local roads impacted by increased traffic.

Traffic is also congested in both directions on Hillsborough Road and other local Warners Bay roads due to increased COVID-19 testing demand.

Officers are urging drivers to obey the road rules and assess the delays in the area.

There are several coronavirus testing clinics and locations across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. To find a list of all open centres, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics.

Image: Newcastle Herald.