LIFT ROAD BLOCKS ON TEST CLINIC

CORONAVIRUS testing clinics should be accessible without a booking to remove as many barriers as possible to people being swabbed, the Australian Medical Association state branch has argued.

A three-week no booking trial at drive-in sites statewide started in December but the Hobart clinic almost immediately reverted to a booking system.

A higher than anticipated turnout at the clinic at Argyle/ Melville streets on Christmas Day and Boxing Day created delays and prompted authorities to revert to previous arrangements.

AMA Tasmanian president Helen McArdle said while an ability to book should be retained, certain sites should be designated where you could just turn up.

“It’s not a terribly complicated process but it’s a little bit tedious … and our concern is that some people will be put off by that process and therefore may have gone for a test but then thought it’s too much effort, so I won’t bother,’’ Dr McArdle said.

“We want it to be as easy as possible so we can get the highest proportion of people who need a test being tested.”

She said the Hobart trial was abandoned because too many turned up, which caused delays, but she said that should have been a positive.

“It may have been the site in the middle of the city and therefore it’s a problem for queues and cars impeding the ability for other people to drive around,’’ Dr McArdle said.

“That may have been the problem … something like the Derwent Entertainment Centre would be better where, unless there’s an event going on, there’s plenty of room.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said the demand at the Hobart drive-in clinic created problems and caused longer wait times.

“We noticed over the Christmas period when we opened the site down here it caused significant problems and people waited longer,’’ Mr Gutwein said.

“The most sensible thing to do if you’re looking for a test is to contact the Public Health Hotline and to book a time.”

Meanwhile, public health director Mark Veitch said surveillance of wastewater to pick up remnants of COVID-19 was still being considered.