NSW Coronavirus: Bankstown residents flock to lab for testing

People are lining up for hours to get tested in southwest Sydney, with many worried they have unknowingly come into contact with others infected with the virus.

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Worried residents are rushing to get checked for coronavirus with long queues seen at the Laverty Pathology at Bankstown.

Locals with symptoms from runny noses to sneeezing and coughing want to make sure they haven’t been infected with the virus, which has affected more than 100,000 people worldwide and caused entire cities to go into lockdown. Three people are known to have died from the coronavirus in Australia and many more are being treated for it.

Concerned residents wore masks as they waited for more than an hour to get tested at the Laverty lab in Bankstown.

Residents sitting outside the Laverty Pathology lab at Bankstown on Tuesday. Picture: Lawrence Machado

Punchbowl resident Jessica, who asked for her surname to be withheld, told The Express she has been having flu-like symptoms for a few days.

“I have been having a sore throat and runny nose and was worried because of a friend’s child goes to a school which has had a case of coronavirus,” Jenny said.

“I need to make sure because I have been in contact with the parent who sees the child every day.

“I am wearing the mask as I have to take precautions due to possible exposure.”

Single mother of three, Natalie O’Connor, said she has not been able to take her two younger children to school since last Friday.

Bankstown Laverty had to limit patients coming to the testing centre late on Tuesday.

The ‘no more’ sign goes up at the Laverty lab at Bankstown.

“I have a runny nose and got worried when I heard about the news of Dr (Chris) Higgins who has got the coronavirus,” she said.

“I have been waiting for more than one and half hours at the lab to get my tests done and there was a big crowd when I arrived.

“I came here yesterday but the lab staff wanted me to get a referral from my GP so it has taken me some time.

“Maybe people will think I am crazy or a hhypochondriac but I need to make sure for me and my children.

“My eldest son, who is 16, is able to go to school on his own but my two younger girls are with me at home since Friday.

“I only went to Queensland a few months ago as we can’t afford to take an overseas holiday.”

The Express has contacted Laverty Pathology for comment.