New drive-through testing in demand
A Fast-food style drivethrough to test for COVID-19 is now open to the public at Kirwan Health Campus as authorities work to stop the spread of the global pandemic.
The clinic, which is Queensland’s third, will help ease pressure on the Townsville University Hospital emergency department where an increased number of people are presenting for coronavirus testing.
Patients can visit the facility without having to exit their vehicles and be assessed by a registered nurse then sent to a second station if they meet the testing criteria.
Within two-and-a-half hours of opening, 90 vehicles passed through the new facility with 30 being sent to the second station for further tests.
Patients referred to the second testing station underwent a nose and mouth swab, with those samples sent to the pathology unit at Townsville University Hospital.
Test results for individuals are expected to be returned within 24-48 hours, and anyone who presents is expected to go into isolation until results are known.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the assessment centre has been opened to provide for growing concern in the community surrounding COVID-19.
“At the moment, demand for Covid-positive inpatient care is very low at Townsville University Hospital but we have the capacity to care for 13 people in that particular unit,” he said.
“It’s not unreasonable that people are anxious about their own COVID risk and that’s why assessment centres like this provide an opportunity to talk to a health professional who can help people understand their risk.”
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR TESTING
People who have travelled internationally in the past 14 days who have become symptomatic.
Anyone who has come into contact who meets the above criteria and has become symptomatic.
Anyone who comes into contact with someone who tests positive and has become symptomatic as a result.
If you’re unsure if you meet the criteria go to www.qld.gov.au.