Cops call for calm with motorists having to wait hours for a Covid test in Townsville

Police have been forced to turn motorists away after queues stretching for kilometres formed at this city’s Covid testing clinic.

Drivers have been told they will be turned away from a Covid-19 testing clinic in Townsville, despite queues stretching for kilometres.

Queensland Police tweeted Wednesday afternoon that those still queuing on Golf Links Drive for the clinic at 1300 Smiles Stadium at 5pm should go home and return on Thursday.

Golf Links Drive, Kirwan is still heavily congested due to people queuing for COVID-19 testing at 1300 Smiles Stadium. If you are still queuing on Golf Links Drive from 5pm then you are advised to go home and return for testing tomorrow. #covid19qld

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) June 30, 2021

Footage shows queues of vehicles stretching for kilometres, with some wait times estimated to be several hours, after a tourist travelled through the region while infected with Covid-19.

Police have stationed seven police at the clinics to ensure all drivers comply with the law and act orderly, Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said.

The lines stretch for kilometres outside the 1300 Smiles Stadium testing clinic in Townsville. There’s currently 4 lanes for testing, that will double to 8 lanes this afternoon. @[e-mail]/9KiR6NhmeF

— Abbey Geran (@AbbeyGeran) June 30, 2021

Motorists swarmed upon 1300 Smiles Stadium on Wednesday morning.

“We are seeing extra people go (and get tested) and we appreciate that they’re doing what the chief health officer wanted,” Superintendent Hanlon said.

“We’ve got about seven police there … now it’s about making sure that we have the right management and traffic safety plan in place.

“We understand people may get frustrated – be patient.

“Police are there to make sure that while you’re waiting, it’s a safe environment.”

Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon says no one has yet been fined for not wearing a mask. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Thousands of people swarmed the Willows Sports Complex on Tuesday, according to the Townsville Bulletin, after news broke of a Covid-19 positive woman travelling through the area last weekend.

James Cook University was used as an additional testing clinic on Wednesday to ease pressure on health authorities.

Cars queue near 1300 Smiles Stadium on Tuesday. Wait times on Wednesday are just as bad and estimated to be several hours. Picture: Townsville Bulletin

Queensland’s chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young was taken aback by the turnout in Townsville and across the state’s southeast after 18,447 tests were conducted overnight.

“Thank you to every single person who has come forward in the last 24 hours to get tested,” Ms Young said.

“We did 18,447 tests on 18,183 people, which is a magnificent response. Particularly those people up in Townsville; you really came out and got tested.”

Superintendent Hanlon said police had yet to fine anyone for not wearing a mask, which must be worn over the face and cover the nose.

“We can't have them where the nose is exposed or under the chin,” he said.