Testing centre will aid healthcare

going up. It helps to keep patients who do not have symptoms safe as well, that was the whole point of closing our doors in the first place and putting our intercom up,’’ Mclean said.

Patients with potential symptoms of coronavirus could be sent to the centre at Horton Park, where they would be tested free of charge. The facility would be open 9am to 6pm.

PHO chief executive Beth Tester said diverting all testing to one location would take pressure off GP practices. ‘‘From a primary care perspective, it is to take pressure off the Urgent Care, ED and primary care practices.’’

The centre in Marlborough was one of many across the country, with the Ministry of Health announcing on Wednesday it would roll out community testing for coronavirus nationwide. The first CBAC opened in Christchurch on

Wednesday and five CBACS would begin seeing patients in Auckland. A Ministry of Health spokesperson said they would take different forms across the country. ‘‘Currently we are in the ‘Keep it out/stamp it out’ phase of the pandemic and levels of Covid19 swabbing are being well managed by GPS and hospitals,’’ the spokesperson said.

‘‘As the number of suspected cases increases, more swabs will need to be taken in order to support contact tracing and our efforts to contain the disease.’’

They said the centres would have the capacity to take swabs ‘‘from every person who needs to be tested’’, and medical centres and GPS also had the means to test if necessary.

People concerned about Covid19 symptoms should first call Healthline (0800 358 5453) or their GP, who could then refer a patient to an assessment centre.