Exhibition Park in Canberra’s (EPIC) transformation into a drive-through COVID-19 testing sight last year was a first for Australia and was quickly emulated by other States and Territories.
The facility was set up just days after the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, prompting Canberra Health Services (CHS) to ensure the 70-hectare showground and multi-building venue in Mitchell were ready to meet the growing demand for testing.
“Since opening the facility on 20 March 2020, more than 71,000 people have presented for COVID-19 testing at EPIC,” CHS said.
“The clinic operates seven days a week, from 9.30am to 5pm, and is staffed by experienced nursing and administrative staff from Canberra Health Services,” it said.
It said the EPIC clinic was only available to drivers or passengers in a registered motor vehicle or motorbike, and people were not required to leave their vehicle or book an appointment in advance.
Clinical Nurse Educator for Walk-in Centres with CHS, Kate Dwyer said that initially, demand for testing at the site increased by the hour but the CHS team was able to plan and get the site operational in about three days.
“The EPIC site has been among the most popular of our testing facilities, offering people an efficient and convenient way to be tested,” Ms Dwyer said.
“It has been an incredible journey this past 12 months and I feel privileged to have played a role in helping our community stay safe during a global pandemic,” she said.
Further information on the EPIC COVID-19 drive through testing site, as well as other testing sites across Canberra, can be accessed at this PS News link.
