Rush on new Darwin Covid-19 testing site as recent arrivals from Victoria scramble to get results
Darwin’s emergency Covid-19 drive-through testing station at the Territory Netball Stadium has been rushed by recent arrivals from Melbourne today.
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- Territory Netball Stadium converted to Covid-19 testing centre as NT Health scales up facilities in response to high demand
- 13,000 recent arrivals to the NT ordered into self-isolation after government declares Greater Melbourne, Bendigo as hot spots
There was a queue of around 40 cars lined up at the new drive-through Covid-19 testing site when it opened at the Marrara Netball Stadium.
There was a queue of around 40 cars lined up at the new drive-through Covid-19 testing site when it opened at the Marrara Netball Stadium.
The NT government has set up the drive-through in response to an increase in the demand for testing following the growing Melbourne hotspot declarations.
With around 10,000 people needing to get tested Health Minister Natasha Fyles made a plea to those who have recently returned from Melbourne to make an online booking for the drive-through testing site.
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She said the four lane drive-through in the netball stadium’s underground carpark can test up to 1000 people a day.
Ms Fyles since the hotspot declaration was made early in the week, more than 2,000 people have been tested. Staffing capacity at the Royal Darwin Hospital pandemic clinic, the Palmerston respiratory clinic, the Katherine pandemic clinic and the Todd facility drive-through has also been increased and operating hours have been extended over the weekend.
Acting chief health officer, Dr Charles Pain said people need to be worried about Covid-19 being transmitted into the community.
“We need people to be worried about it … it is extremely contagious and people need to take every precaution against it,” he said.
The Melbourne Covid-19 hotspot declaration has thrown the travel plans of thousands into chaos with some 200 travellers in forced 14-days Howard Springs quarantine, thousands under home quarantine orders until receiving a negative Covid-19 test result and others taken off the Ghan train service which has had its scheduled disrupted because of closed borders.
Those in a regional areas either in a campervan, camping or in accommodation have been ordered to stop travelling and call the Covid-19 hotline on 1800 490 484, and request advice on the closest testing centre.
Minister Fyles said despite Victoria declaring more exposure sites only those people who arrived in the Northern Territory from the Greater Melbourne and Bendigo hot spots between May 12 and midnight on May 27 are required to isolate, get a COVID-19 test and remain in self-quarantine until a negative is returned.
The Marrara drive-through opening hours are 8.30am – 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 30.
People needing a test must book a drive-through appointment online at https:/covid19appointment.nt.gov.au/test
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