New COVID-19 testing space opens in Todd Street

All community members in Alice Springs will be able to access COVID-19 testing at the new Congress Respiratory Clinic which will test people with any symptoms, including mild symptoms like a cold.

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress registered nurse Heather Wilson at the coronavirus testing space with registered nurse Anna Huigan. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

All community members in Alice Springs will be able to access COVID-19 testing at the new Congress Respiratory Clinic which will test people with any symptoms, including mild symptoms like a cold.

This ‘enhanced testing’ is designed to ensure that if cases of COVID-19 somehow enter the Central Australian community, health authorities can be become aware of them early and can respond immediately.

The clinic is now one of the 100 respiratory clinics across Australia approved by the Australian Government Department of Health.

Congress CEO Donna Ah Chee said testing the community will be vital in protecting everyone.

“We know that there is no community transmission in the NT, and we know that our border control, testing, isolation, contact tracing, quarantine and public education measures are preventing cases of COVID-19 here,” she said.

“Widespread enhanced testing is the next logical step in keeping Central Australia safe, especially as restrictions ease.

“To make contact testing fast and effective, we should also all download the COVIDSafe app. I’ve downloaded it and I urge others to do so as well.”

Congress general manager of health services Dr Colin Marchant said although there has been no community transmission, there is no time to be complacent.

“As long as we maintain border protection, we can be fairly sure that we can keep COVID-19 out of Central Australia. But the only way you know is if we do a fair amount of testing,” he said.

“Congress is very keen to keep the whole community healthy, because that’s also the way we can keep the remote communities healthy as well.”

Ms Ah Chee said she also wants to remind people not to neglect regular health care.

“Don’t put off your regular treatments, check-ups or medications,” she said.

“If you don’t want to come to the clinic, telehealth is available and will continue while it is needed.”

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To access COVID-19 testing, Congress clients can call Congress’ free COVID-19 hotline [phone] or go to the special clinic at 127 Todd Street (old Memo Club, near the second-hand shop) between 8.30-11am weekdays.

For anyone who isn’t a Congress client, speak to your doctor to be referred. They will manage your treatment and be sent your results