How to get tested for Coronavirus on the Gold Coast

Changes to coronavirus testing rules now mean any Gold Coaster found to be presenting with symptoms can be checked for the virus. Here’s everything you need to know.

NEW CORONAVIRUS testing rules came into play on the Gold Coast on Tuesday morning, allowing anyone with symptoms to be checked.

The State Government has opened testing to all citizens in three areas – Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast - due to concerns about community transmission.

From Tuesday anyone presenting with unexplained respiratory symptoms – a cough, sore throat or fever – is encouraged to go to one of the city’s two specialist fever clinics to be checked.

Previously only those who have been in contact with a known case or those who had returned from overseas could be tested.

The change in policy follows a push by Gold Coast doctors who feared some cases were going undetected.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said she had ordered increased testing to head off the risk of sustained community transmission.

“The rate of COVID-19 is continuing to slow in Queensland but the threat remains,” Dr Young said.

“We know how the vast majority of patients became infected however there are some people for whom the source of infection is unknown.

“This is a small number but it is enough to warrant increased testing. These patients are in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns so I have requested that testing be widened in those areas.”

According to Gold Coast Hospital sources at least three local coronavirus cases were unable to be traced.

Despite the changes to coronavirus testing rules, local fever clinics reported steady but not overwhelming demand for tests.

A sign directing visitors to the Fever Clinic is pictured at the entrance to the Gold Coast University Hospital. Picture: AFP

WHERE CAN I GET TESTED

There are two fever clinics on the Gold Coast outside of each public hospital.

Gold Coast University Hospital

The fever clinic is located on the corner of Hollows Way and Hospital Boulevard, next to the multistorey car park.

Robina Health Precinct

The clinic is at the Robina Health Precinct building, across the road from the Robina Hospital. It is in the foyer, on the ground floor.

Each clinic has a screening station manned by registered nurses, where patients are required to check in.

During a screening, patients are advised of their next course of action, whether that is to continue to testing, head to the emergency department for treatment or see a GP because their symptoms are not coronavirus related.

Locals can also speak with their local GPs but MUST ring ahead first to ensure testing kits and sufficient protective wear is available.

WHEN

The hospital clinics are open from 9am to 9pm daily.

HOW MUCH

The hospital fever clinics are free.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

A swab is taken from patients for testing, they are then advised to self isolate for a period of 24-48 hours, until they are contacted by the Gold Coast Health team.

A member of the hospital’s infection control team will then call the patient to advise them of their results and to give further instructions about any isolation measures that may have to take place.