Pop-up COVID-19 testing clinics set up at Gold Coast tourist locations

Three pop-up COVID-19 testing stations are being set up in popular locations across the Gold Coast in an attempt to curb community transmission.

THREE pop-up COVID-19 testing stations will be set up in popular tourist locations across the Gold Coast in an attempt to detect cases of community transmission.

The move comes as Queensland’s border opens to all states except Victoria, which today recorded 270 new cases.

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In NSW, community transmission is on the rise after a person who tested positive for COVID-19 visited the The Star Casino in Pyrmont was identified as one of the 21 cases linked to a cluster at the Crossroads Hotel.

The pub in the south-western Sydney suburb of Casula is popular with interstate truck drivers and locals.

Pop-up COVID-19 station has been set up at Gold Coast Airport, pictured here is registered nurses Bec Mill and Paige Mantio, with admin officer Indi Thomas (right) and Rebel, from the ADF.

Gold Coast Primary Health Network chair and GP Dr Roger Halliwell said the move was a directive of Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister Health Dr Steven Miles.

“Queensland Health is setting up pop-up clinics to test people who are visiting the Gold Coast from other states, but they are also able to be used by locals,” he said.

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Today it’s expected one will open at the Gold Coast Airport and one will be set up at Albert Waterways Community Centre near Pacific Fair.

A third clinic is expected to open on Thursday and will operate out of a mobile van in Surfers Paradise Bouveland, after recently getting approval from the Gold Coast City Council.

A long line of cars stretch Campbell Parade as COVID testing takes place at Bondi Beach. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Mr Halliwell said other such clinics were being set up at Brisbane and Cairns, as they were also the first point of entry for those from other states.

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“This is a crucial move that allows health and hospital services to test and identify early on if cases of coronavirus are arriving with tourists,” he said.

“Testing, testing, testing, is how we can ensure that any cases are identified early and contact tracing can start as soon as possible.”