The showgrounds site will be open until 4.30pm to help alleviate long wait times experienced at Goulburn Valley Health’s Acute Respiratory Clinic during the morning.
The Kyabram District Health Service has also stepped up by extending their hours, with their COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic at the Kyabram Northern Oval being open from 9am now set to close at 2pm.
GV Health’s Acute Respiratory Clinic wait times have reached several hours on Monday with some people having queued since 7am, following the site closing early on Sunday after reaching capacity.
A GV Health spokesperson said the testing staff are doing their best to work through the queue as quickly as possible, but due to the demand there are delays.
“If you require a COVID-19 test today, please wear sun protection and bring a drink bottle for the wait,” the spokesperson said.
“People with symptoms of COVID-19 should continue to come forward for testing.”
While restrictions differ depending on the state, much of the demand is coming from those flying who must receive a PCR test and a negative result within 72 hours of their flight.
Briony Dance has waited in line since 7.20am to be tested so she can fly into Queensland on Thursday morning.
“It’s frustrating because at any point you don’t know if you’ll be turned away and you also just don’t know whether you’ll even get your results in time,” she said
“You’re sort of stuck between a rock hard and a hard place, I’m trying to stay positive.”
While the testing site at the Shepparton Showgrounds has been closed over the Christmas period and was due to reopen on Wednesday, December 29, GV Health have reopened the facility to keep up with the increased demand.
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