The ACT has opened two additional free testing clinics for the COVID-19 pandemic virus, with another drive-through clinic expected to be opened next week.
Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said Canberrans had rallied to the message about appearing for testing, and helping ACT Health monitor the COVID threat in the Territory.
“The ACT has consistently produced strong testing figures, having now recorded more than 34,000 negative tests,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“With the events occurring in Victoria and the onset of the Influenza season, we will continue to see an upward trend in demand for community testing of COVID-19,” she said
“We know this increase in testing has led to lengthy wait times and we thank everyone for their patience.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said the additional clinics would help to meet the increase in demand while giving people more options for testing closer to their homes.
She said the additional clinics, operated by Canberra Health, were the COVID-19 Surge Centre located on Garran Oval now operating as a walk-in testing clinic, and West Belconnen Child and Family centre, also operating as a walk-in testing clinic.
“An additional drive-through facility in south Canberra will also be established as soon as possible, with Canberra Health Services currently exploring site locations,” she said.
“Our priority must be on testing people who have symptoms of COVID-19, and doing this as quickly as possible.”
Ms Stephen-Smith reminded people keen to be tested, not to do so unless they have COVID-19 symptoms or were instructed by a public health official to be tested.
