Mobile COVID-testing clinics to hit coastal holiday spots in January

There will be no excuses for not being COVID-safe in Tasmania this January, with mobile testing units visiting our popular coastal locations. SEE WHERE YOU CAN GET TESTED >>

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Mobile COVID testing units will be dispatched to regional areas across Tasmania throughout January to assist in keeping testing rates high.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the mobile clinics would bolster existing fixed clinics to ensure those holidaying in remote and coastal areas would have access to testing if needed.

“We know many Tasmanians are enjoying coastal communities at this time of year so we are going to see mobile buses, throughout January, visit locations such as Swansea, Smithton and the West Coast,” she said.

“Their locations will be advertised and listed online to ensure people in those communities know.”

Mobile units are expected to be available at St Helens from January 9-10, Strahan on January 15, Queenstown on January 16, Swansea from January 22-23, and Smithton from January 29-30.

The four fixed clinics in the major population centres will continue to operate seven days a week but with changed operating hours over the New Year period.

On Thursday, December 31 December, the Hobart, Launceston and Burnie clinics will run from 8.30am to 3.30pm and the East Devonport clinic from 7.30am to 2.30pm.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney at Launceston's COVID19 testing clinic.

On Friday, January 1, all clinics will run from 8.30am to 11.30am.

These clinics will return to normal operating times from January 2: 8.30am to 3.30pm for Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, and 7.30am to 2.30pm for East Devonport.

Ms Courtney said it was vital for Tasmanians to continue to be vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms over the New Year period and to isolate themselves and get tested if they had any concerns.

“We know New Year’s Eve is coming up and many Tasmanians will like to be able to get out and celebrate a year that has been incredibly difficult,” she said.

“However, please ensure as you plan your celebrations, that you do so in a COVID-safe way, we don’t want to start 2021 with an outbreak.”

Ms Courtney said testing levels had dropped over the weekend following Christmas but had picked up again over Monday and Tuesday.

She also reassured Tasmanians that all precautions were being taken with the resumption of cruise ship visits to the state between January and March.

“Whether they’re coming in on a cruise ship, coming in on the Spirit or coming in on a plane, we are making sure anyone who arrives has stringent protocols,” she said.

“We have restrictions on anyone travelling from overseas and anyone travelling from interstate does have stringent protocols in place.”

Anyone with suspected symptoms is urged to call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for further assistance and information.

Originally published as Mobile COVID-testing clinics to hit coastal holiday spots in January