Covid testing reduced in Cowes

Covid tests will now only be available in Cowes three days a week.

Monash Pathology has cut back its operating hours and is now only offering Covid tests on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. The service operates from the Health Hub, 50 Church Street in Cowes.

Bass Coast Health staff will check in patients and provide an N95 mask that patients will be required to wear.

Monash Pathology also offers Covid tests from Wonthaggi Hospital, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Both sites are offering PCR tests and distributing Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) to eligible people.

People eligible for the tests include those with Covid symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and fever; household and household-like contacts; workplace exposure and education exposure; and symptomatic people with a valid disability card and high-risk industry surveillance.

For both tests (PCR and RATs), you must bring photo ID and/or a Medicare card. You can pre-register for PCR testing and RAT distribution online at: testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill 

At Wonthaggi Hospital, people will be able to access the tests via the main entrance.

Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said the health service was pleased to partner with Monash Health Pathology to provide the service in convenient locations for the community.

“Monash Health Pathology already provides pathology services from both sites and has the expertise and facilities to be able to provide Covid testing, having analysed our Covid test samples throughout the pandemic so far,” she said.

“By Monash Health Pathology providing the service, Bass Coast Health is able to bring testing staff who worked at the former testing service into other roles within the health service to help alleviate the staff shortfall that we have been experiencing.

“We encourage everyone showing symptoms of Covid to have a RAT or PCR test (if they are unable to access a RAT) to help continue to restrict the spread of the highly-contagious Covid within our community.”

RATs are available at most pharmacists (free for pensioners), at schools for students, as well as select service stations and supermarkets.

Tests are also available by appointment at the Wonthaggi Respiratory Clinic (PRC only), by calling 0492 037 568 or booking online.