Coronavirus testing clinic opens in Dee Why apartment block
A respiratory clinic which is also conducting COVID-19 tests has opened on the northern beaches in a mixed residential and commercial building, shocking one resident who said they were not notified until it opened its doors.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A respiratory clinic and COVID-19 testing site has opened on the ground floor of an apartment building on the northern beaches.
While some are welcoming of the Dee Why clinic, one woman living in one of the units said she was concerned residents will be put at risk, including her elderly mother who has a medical condition.
The woman, who wants to remain anonymous, said they were not alerted to plans about the COVID-19 testing clinic until this morning.
“We wouldn’t mind if it was just a medical centre, but it’s partially operating as a COVID-19 testing clinic and it could put us all at risk,” she said.
The Dee Why Respiratory Clinic on Mooramba Rd is in a mixed commercial and residential building and has been set up to assess people with mild-moderate respiratory symptoms and test and diagnose cases including COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia.
It also gives patients the opportunity to meet a GP and have a complete respiratory assessment.
The clinic’s aim is to take the pressure off local NSW hospital emergency departments needing to prioritise severe health cases, and relieve pressure on general practices, enabling them to continue to safely care for patients for non-respiratory related conditions.
There is no walk-in service, patients have to book online or call ahead to get an appointment.
However, while other retail shops in the building are located on the Pittwater Rd side with separate entrances, this new clinic currently shares the same entrance as residents living in the Osprey Apartments.
Dr Harry Nespolon, who set up the respiratory clinic, said it should be viewed “as an asset, not a problem” and “will help us get through this difficult time”.
He confirmed the practice had not notified residents prior to it opening, but strict precautions have been put in place.
“We have ushers directing patients outside into the clinic quickly. As we know, it’s about when people interact for periods of time,” Dr Nespolon said.
“The (residents) could only potentially be exposed for 10 seconds, you have to be present for 15 minutes before being at risk if someone has the virus. We’ve had less than 10 people come in today, there hasn’t been lots of people hanging around.
“We do take safety really serious, we are trying to do our absolute best. The risk of getting infection is very low, but let’s make it clear, it’s not zero.”
A message from building manager Gareth Mullen urged residents to be “vigilant” and said the door from Mooramba Rd and the door into the building B foyer entry will have to be left open between 8am to 5pm to reduce any “transfer”.
“The owner is looking into installing an access door where the fire panel is,” Mr Mullen wrote.
“Please note the owner has confirmed they have not had a positive test (in Dee Why) in three weeks, however, I will remind everyone that the northern beaches was considered a hot spot.
“I will be advising the owner to erect signs and barriers as part of their protocol. Please all residents be extra vigilant in your movements through building B.”
Mackellar MP Jason Falinski welcomed the clinic, which is being funded by federal money.
“Dee Why has been identified as a hot spot for coronavirus, so it is fitting for the suburb to have a clinic open up,” he said.
“Dr Harry Nespolon is a highly qualified GP, and the clinic will offer the highest quality of care and treatment for our northern beaches community”.
Mr Falinski has stressed the need for everyone to be tested regardless of how mild their symptoms are. The ability to conduct large scale testing is critical in quickly identifying and containing outbreaks.