New Covid testing service in Cowes from tomorrow

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be distributed Monday, Wednesday and Friday from an annex adjacent to the Phillip Island Health Hub, from Monday January 31.

Community members will be screened and registered by the testing staff and if eligible, will receive RATs to manage their testing. A small number of people may be directed to the Wonthaggi Testing Tent for a PCR.

This new service will replace the Testing Tent that was in place at the Cowes Transit Hub.

“With the new health directives encouraging people to use RATs, as well as a growing supply available, we are opening a service that will facilitate access to RATs for our local community members,” Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said.

Community members will be able to access the clinic from 9am to 2pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

RATs will not be available from the Hub outside of these hours.

The Clinic at the Hub will operate from an annex that opens out to the footpath adjacent to the Hub car park. This will ensure that people requiring a test do not need to enter the main Hub building. 

BCH said people seeking RATs should park outside the Hub and walk in and wait (at a distance) on the seating provided; masks should be worn at all times.

“Our staffing shortfall continues to be very problematic for BCH but we hope that this testing service will provide testing access for Phillip Islanders three days a week,” Ms Child said.

“It is still very critical that people test if they have symptoms, to contain spread, and to ensure people can be well monitored.

“We know some people with COVID can become unwell – it is important to know if you are positive so we can provide the services to get you well and keep you out of hospital,” Ms Child said.