Goya Dmytryshchak
Ten drive-through coronavirus testing sites opened in major shopping outlets across Melbourne last week, including Bunnings West Footscray and Highpoint shopping centre.
It comes as the state government pushes to test up to 100,000 people within a fortnight to track how the virus is spreading in the community and prepare for the potential easing of restrictions.
Other testing sites opened at Pacific Werribee, Pacific Epping, Watergardens Town Centre, Westfield Fountain Gate, Bayside Shopping Centre in Frankston, and Chadstone, Doncaster and Northland shopping centres.
Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said testing would take place in the carpark, completely separate from the store.
He said the West Footscray site would be a pilot, with plans for further testing sites at a handful of other stores.
“We’re part of the local communities where we operate and we have an important role in providing essential products, while implementing strong safety measures to protect our team and customers,“ he said.
“This new initiative is just another way we are supporting the government and the community to help us tackle COVID19 together.“
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos urged anyone exhibiting even mild symptoms to get tested. Symptoms may include fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or a runny nose.
“This massive testing blitz will give us the best information about how this virus is spreading in the community, and I encourage anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to help us out and go get themselves tested,” Ms Mikakos said.
“The more people we test the more we’ll know about the spread of the virus, which will help guide any decisions about potentially easing restrictions.”
Testing sites will be a “one-stop-shop“ overseen by doctors, nurses and pathology staff. Results typically take 24-72 hours.
To be tested, people need to bring their Medicare card or at least one form of identification such as a driver’s licence or student ID.
For more information, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
