COVID-19 test angst as screening numbers soar
People waiting in line for COVID-19 tests have been urged to keep their cool as Brisbane’s south experiences a surge in test numbers.
Redlands Coast
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Tensions were high at a COVID-19 testing centre at Redland Hospital this morning where outpatients were forced to weave in between a line up of more than 60 people.
Pregnant women attending clinic at the Redland Health Services Centre had to break through the crowd queuing for a test.
Capalaba woman Briony Davis said she wanted to get tested before the weekend and was disappointed the long queues from Thursday had not decreased by the morning.
“They probably need more test centres in Redlands because there is still a long line which I reckon will take about an hour to get to the top.”
Testing was being carried out next to the allied services centre next to demountable buildings on site.
Those lining up were given masks and a ticket so officials could keep track of the numbers.
Federal MP for Bowman Andrew Laming called for testing to be doubled over the next two weeks in the Redlands.
He said there was a second test site in Vienna Rd at Alexandra Hills at a private clinic which many people did not know about.
A Metro South Hospital and Health Service spokeswoman said: “The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation and our staff right across the health service are doing an incredible job”.
“In response to yesterday’s new confirmed cases of COVID-19 within Metro South Health, we have increased testing capacity with extended hours of operation and additional staff and resources throughout the Metro South region.”
She said while the hosptal experienced some peaks in demand for testing, at 4.30pm this afternoon the waiting time to be tested at Redland Hospital was less than half an hour.
“Some hospitals in the greater Brisbane region experienced high demand for testing in recent days and we are encouraged by how many people have come forward to get tested.
“Our priority at this time is to have people come forward and be tested, and while we understand that people may be waiting for a period to time, we are seeing a huge commitment from the community in stepping up at this time.”
Redland hospital set up a testing centre in April well before this week’s spike in the number of people seeking screening after three people south of Brisbane tested positive this week, putting extra pressure on facilities.
According to Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Steven Miles, 9076 COVID-19 tests were conducted yesterday, with 2498 in the Metro South health area and 726 in neighbouring West Moreton.
The hospital joins other testing facilities including Logan and the Royal Brisbane and women’s hospitals experiencing a surge in demand.
FULL LIST: Where to find a COVID-19 testing facility
Sarah Manuel said chemist staff at Forest Lake were handing out bottles of water to people queuing to access and Sullivan Nicholaides on High Street.
Tania McLaughlin took to social media to congratulate the “absolutely swamped” staff at the testing centre who had been taking more than 200 tests per day.
“Over 200 tests a day and not everybody has been kind,” she said.
“We know it’s hot and frustrating waiting, but they deserve praise for being on the frontline, not abuse.”
Meanwhile, those who did not want to stand in line have been attending a drive-through testing facility on Castile Crescent at Edens Landing.