By Mitchell Clarke
A pop-up Covid-19 testing site has launched in Kooweerup as part of the State Government’s regional response to Covid-19.
In a bid to address the rising number of cases in Cardinia, the Kooweerup Regional Health Service commenced a drive through testing facility at the Cochrane Park community centre on Monday 20 July.
The site, located on Rossiter Road, will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.
The facility will be manned by nurses from Kooweerup Regional Health Service, CEO Frank Megens said.
“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) approached us to ask if we could provide a screening clinic in Kooweerup, and of course the answer was yes,” Mr Megens said.
“I think this is a recognition that this is a serious issue to the community and it’s part of the Department’s push to ensure adequate testing is done.
“This site is really to target Kooweerup residents but a booking is a booking and we will take anyone with symptoms.”
Those symptoms include a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever or loss of smell – no matter how mild.
“If people have got symptoms, stay at home and attend a screening clinic as soon as possible and then self-isolate until you get your results back,” Mr Megens explained.
The tests will be examined at a Victorian laboratory and it’s anticipated that results will be returned within a 48 hour period.
The testing site can cater for approximately 20 people per session, with 22 people getting tested on the first day.
People must book an appointment by calling 5997 9679. Walk ins will not be tested.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said there were more than 60 testing sites operating in regional LGAs and testing is also available at many local GP clinics.
“Boosting our testing and contact tracing efforts in key regional areas will give us the best shot we have of preventing further spread of Coronavirus across the whole state,” Ms Mikakos said.
“Like every Victorian, regional Victorians are not immune from this global pandemic. We need everyone, no matter where they live, to play their part.”
Drive through testing sites also remain operational in Pakenham at the IYU Reserve on Henry Road and Cranbourne East at Casey Fields on Berwick-Cranbourne Road.
Both sites are open from 9am to 4pm seven days a week.
