Long Covid test lines deter public

GOLD COASTERS have been scared off COVID-19 tests, fearing long clinic lines shadow health spokesperson Ros Bates says.

There were short waits for testing at Gold Coast hospital fever clinics on Wednesday. A day earlier they were snaking for blocks when many complained of waiting six hours in the sun.

The Mudgeeraba MP said she was concerned many were avoiding testing because of how the demand was managed.

“We saw lines six hours long of people waiting to get a COVID test. No one wants to stand for six hours in 30 degree heat.”

A Queensland Health Spokesperson said: “To manage the surge in demand, we have extended the opening hours of several of our COVID-19 testing clinics. A number of sites, including all three Gold Coast Health testing facilities, have doubled staff numbers.

“Clinic staff may triage people for testing based on their risk factors. If people do not have symptoms, staff may invite them to leave their contact details and advise them to come in the following morning, before the clinic officially opens to the public.”

Operating hours, staffing and demand is being reviewed daily.

A Gold Coast GP said they believed Christmas was the reason behind the drop in tests.

“The lines have put some people off, but Christmas is something people don’t want to miss out on,” the GP said. “I am sure people have done the math and realise they may need to self isolate Christmas Day in wait for results if they get tested now.”