DRIVING FORCE
Exclusive first look inside city’s drive-through virus test station
A CARPARK in the city’s north has been converted into a temporary drive-through clinic to test Geelong region residents for COVID-19.
Tents have been erected behind Barwon Health North — the health service’s new facility opened at Norlane in January.
It is one of multiple similar clinics set up statewide to deal with the demand of the coronavirus pandemic.
Drivers are greeted by staff in personal protective equipment and marshalled through the tents.
Nurses can conduct tests — a deep nasal swab — through the windows of cars.
Patients who suspect they may have coronavirus need to call their GP, the DHHS COVID-19 hotline (1800 675 398) or Barwon Health on 4215 4445 to determine if they should be tested, and obtain a referral before attending the drive-through clinic.
Patients will be given a time to present at the Norlane clinic, as scheduling appointment times is being used to reduce traffic and crowding.
“Barwon Health North is able to undertake the test in the clinic or preferably using our drive-through service,” Barwon Health chief executive Frances Diver said.
“This is a highly efficient way to do the testing, helps us maintain social distancing and reduces the use of PPE.
“The The process we have implemented of giving people set times to present to be tested has been really efficient and is safer for our staff and the community.”
Barwon Health sends nonurgent tests for people who are well to Melbourne and the turnaround time is up to 72 hours.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said there have been 34 screening clinics established across Melbourne and regional Victoria to get as many people tested as possible.
“We’re also working closely with the Commonwealth Government to ensure GPs are also supported in providing advice and screening to potential COVID-19 patients,” Ms Mikakos said.
Victoria’s chief health officer yesterday announced expanded coronavirus testing criteria.
Teachers, firefighters and people over the age of 65 will now be tested for coronavirus if they exhibited a fever or respiratory problems.
Professor Brett Sutton said expanding Victoria’s testing criteria was logical given increasing community transmissions.
“We are increasingly going to focus on potential committee transmission in those who haven’t travelled internationally or are close contacts of known cases,” he said.
“That is really important to get a proper understanding of how much community transmission there might be.”
THIS IS A HIGHLY EFFICIENT WAY TO DO THE TESTING, HELPS US MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING AND REDUCES THE USE OF PPE.” BARWON HEALTH CHIEF EXECUTIVE FRANCES DIVER