By Danielle Kutchel
More than 8000 people flocked to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre to get tested for Covid-19 last month.
As the Fountain Gate testing site closes, figures from Dorevitch Pathology, which handled the collection of tests, show that from 30 April to 26 May when the drive-thru site was open, 8900 people were tested.
Initially, the site offered testing for all those who attended as part of the State Government’s testing blitz, regardless of whether they showed symptoms of the virus or not.
As students headed back to school, the criteria was changed so that only those who had symptoms or worked at schools could get tested.
Although the Fountain Gate site is now closed, residents are still able to get tested for Covid-19 if they have symptoms of the virus.
The nearest drive-thru coronavirus testing sites are located at Chadstone and Knox Shopping Centres. Drive-thru testing offers convenience and peace of mind, as visitors don’t need to leave their cars for the test.
Other testing centres for those in the Narre Warren-Berwick region are: Monash Health Berwick, Monash Health Dandenong, 4Cyte Pathology (GP referral required) and Rowville Respiratory Clinic.Residents can also visit their local GP but are advised to call ahead first as the GP may prefer to send them to a pathology site for the swab collection.
Alternatively, people can call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 to find out where to get tested if they are experiencing mild symptoms of coronavirus.
A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services said there are more than 60 screening clinics open across the state that offer free coronavirus tests.
“Our extensive testing program has already seen more than half a million Victorians get tested,” the spokesperson said.
“We encourage anyone who has even the mildest symptoms of coronavirus to get tested by seeing their GP, attending a testing clinic or a drive-through site.”
For more information, visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19
