Test site busy as Covid cases continue

According to state government figures, as of Monday, there were 42 cases in Bass Coast, with 13 of those in San Remo and Phillip Island.

The drive through testing site at Cowes was busy on Monday morning, with the line of waiting cars stretching several blocks down Chapel Street.

However Gippsland Region Public Health Unit said the queue for tests was not a cause for alarm. Despite the government figures, GRPHU is currently only managing 18 cases in Bass Coast and around 60 close contacts, with a spokesperson saying the numbers had dropped considerably in recent weeks.

In the past week, Covid case figures in San Remo and Phillip Island had fluctuated between 19 and 13.

GRPHU said the queue at the drive through site could be due to people reaching a testing timeline period, for example day 6 or day 13.

They predict the demand for testing will increase as Christmas approached “as more travel is planned over this period”.

Most international destinations require travellers to have a negative Covid test 48 – 72 hours before boarding the plane.

Bass Coast Health said the Cowes drive through site performed 627 tests between December 5 and 11. This is almost double the weekly tally from the same period in November.

Anyone experiencing even mild Covid symptoms should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Cowes drive through test site at the Transit Centre is currently open 9am – 2pm, seven days a week. The Wonthaggi drive through (now located in Watt Street) is open seven days from 9am – 4pm.

These times are subject to change. Check the Bass Coast Health Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Wonthaggi Medical Group’s Respiratory Clinic takes test bookings. Phone 0492 036 568.