Massive queues as school families wait for ‘freedom’ test
Brisbane families at the epicentre of the southeast Queensland Delta outbreak have stepped out after 12 days of isolation, joining hours-long queues for “freedom’’ tests that could release them from their homes for good.
South West
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Westside families queued for more than two hours this morning as members of four school communities flocked to testing centres to receive their day 12 “freedom’’ test.
For the lucky ones, a negative result will mean they can leave their homes at midnight tomorrow.
But at least 30 Indooroopilly State High School or Ironside State School families will have to endure another fortnight in isolation after relatives tested positive while at home.
Some families initially tested negative, but relatives or other occupants of their homes returned positive results on days seven to 10. They cannot leave home for another fortnight.
Some of the longest waits this morning were at the Baptist Church testing centre on Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove, where the 1km long queue of cars was directed through back streets in an effort to keep busy Waterworks Rd clear.
The Gap resident, Peter, who did not want his last name used, said he and his wife decided to isolate after attending the Brisbane Girls Grammar School Open Day on July 31.
“No one has ever contacted us to say we had to isolate even though we used the QR code check-in. They don’t even know about us, it seems, but we decided to do the right thing,’’ he said.
“It’s really a debacle. They are relying on people to be honest and do the right thing.’’
Peter said they had been able to work from home, but people on lower incomes who often did not have computer-based jobs had been deprived of earnings.
“Is it right to not allow children’s sport but allow 25,000 people at Suncorp Stadium?’’ he said.
None of the families in the queue spoken to by Quest Newspapers had received a police visit but many said they were contacted by their children’s schools, including an online forum hosted last night by Brisbane Grammar School.
“Grammar and Ithaca Creek (State School) have been very supportive,’’ one mother said.
There were several hundred people waiting patiently to be tested in three lines of traffic on the Indooroopilly State High School playing fields this morning.
Residents, most of whom had children at ISHS or Ironside, said they had been waiting for more than an hour but praised the efficient system, with SES volunteers ensuring cars kept moving forward.
Most people said they were able to work from home and their children’s schooling had continued with online classes.
ISHS families have taken to Facebook to debate whether the school should return to in-person teaching this Friday. Ironside returns on Monday.
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