Best and worst queues for Covid testing in Sydney

Spiralling case numbers and interstate travel requirements are putting “massive pressure” on weary states’ testing services.

Australians needing a Covid test are preparing for another day of lengthy queues with some centres reaching capacity before they even open for business.

It comes after a week of spiralling case numbers as interstate borders opened, with South Australia and New South Wales recording their highest daily testing numbers on record.

In Sydney there are reports of massive queues at North Ryde, Westmead, St Leonards, Bondi, Rushcutters Bay and Sydney International Airport.

There are reportedly shortly lines at Fairfield Hospital, Prairiewood, the Rouse Hill Drive-Through Clinic, Rouse Hills and the Redfern walk-in clinic.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned the state’s testing system was under “massive pressure” due to the surge.

Testing lines this morning are pretty wild. This is North Ryde, where cars are backed up onto the M2. Everyone I spoke to is trying to get tests for travel, most aren’t hopeful they will have them in time. These travel requirements are severely clogging the system. @9NewsSydpic.twitter.com/as4KpnPMoq

— Lauren Tomasi (@LaurenTomasi) December 21, 2021

Very long line for testing this morning at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital @7NewsSydneypic.twitter.com/21KALbGBUE

— Jacinta Lee (@jacinta_lee3) December 21, 2021

The covid testing situation in Sydney is completely out of control. It can't go on like this. Hopefully it calms down after Christmas.

— Tash Robinson (@NC_Robinson) December 21, 2021

ROCKDALE: Traffic's heavy southbound on Princes Hwy approaching Rockdale 4cyte Pathology Drive-Through Clinic due to COVID-19 testing, with traffic also affecting Lister Ave. Plan ahead, expect delays, & allow extra travel time.

— Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) December 21, 2021

STANMORE: Traffic's heavy in both directions on Stanmore Rd approaching Stanmore 4cyte Pathology Drive-Through & Walk-In Clinic due to COVID-19 testing, with traffic also affecting Enmore Rd & Edgeware Rd. Plan ahead & allow extra travel time.

— Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) December 21, 2021

Mr Hazzard said both testing sites and the laboratories processing the results were feeling the heat.

“Obviously they’re trying to access the various products that are required to do the testing, but that’s not the sole issue,” he said.

People queuing up at the Covid Testing Clinic in Sydney’s CBD ahead of Christmas. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

“The issue is also that the staffing from not only doing the actual pathology testing, but also the administration — making sure people are advised of their results — is currently under massive pressure.”

More than 426,000 people have turned out to get tested in NSW since Friday with 8,000 returning a positive result.

Tuesday saw a record 3,057 new cases on Tuesday.

Covid-19 testing in Victoria

The demand is so high it caused multiple Covid-19 testing sites to shut across Melbourne on Wednesday morning.

The Victorian health department’s website listed 10 sites which were shut with the warning, “over capacity – no further accepted”.

The following sites are currently shut:

• Central Bayside Community Health Services Cheltenham
• Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
• Springers Leisure Centre
• Chadstone Golfers Drive
• Alfred Health
• Montague Street South Melbourne
• St Vincent’s Hospital fever clinic
• La Trobe University
• IPC Health Deer Park
• Wantirna Health trash and treasure market

In Victoria, the Albert Park testing facility reached capacity shortly after 6am, with some people showing up as early as 4.30am.

The chaos has resulted in hundreds being turned away before the facility is even supposed to open.

Despite the threat of Omicron, Victoria’s case tally has remained relatively consistent with the state recording 1245 cases and six Covid deaths on Tuesday.

Albert Park testing facility reached capacity shortly after 6am, with some people showing up as early as 4.30am. Picture: David Crosling

Queensland, which is preparing for an influx of visitors during the festive period, requires people from NSW or Victoria to take a Covid test on day five of their trip.

So far, more than 200,000 border passes have been granted to interstate travellers and fines will be slapped on those who don’t follow the state’s testing protocols.

The state recorded 86 new Covid infections on Tuesday along with shorter quarantine and isolation periods for close and casual contacts.

The state now has 61 cases of the Omicron variant and 269 active cases in total.

State leaders are preparing for an emergency national cabinet on Wednesday where Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he has “strong recommendations” for the weeks ahead.