Scores tested at fever clinics
HUNDREDS of people have been tested for COVID-19 in fever clinics that have been operational in the Far North since last month.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service have opened a drive-through clinic at the Cairns North Community Health Centre, to help manage demand for testing of the novel coronavirus.
So far there are 24 confirmed cases of the virus in the Far North, giving the region the highest COVID-19 tally outside of southeast Queensland.
Fever clinics have been opened at Cairns, Atherton and Mareeba hospitals and Yarrabah within the past three weeks.
CHHHS executive director of medical services Dr Don Mackie said the hospital fever clinics were specialist clinics for those who may be infected with the novel coronavirus.
“These clinics help to keep people who may be contagious away from other areas of hospitals and health centres,” he said. “This helps to reduce the potential spread of the virus and keeps the emergency department available for emergencies. This Cairns North drive-through clinic is available by appointment only.”
CHHHS is also planning on launching SMS alerts for patients who have been tested for COVID-19, should their results come back negative.
It is hoped that the automated service will help free up local health resources.
The new Cairns North drive-through fever clinic is available by appointment only by contacting (07) 4226 4781.
People with concerns are encouraged to ring the clinic directly or go to www.health .qld.gov.au for information about symptoms and testing.