The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) sprang into action on Tuesday, opening a Covid-19 testing facility at the Noosa Leisure Centre to expand testing in Noosa at the request of the State Government after Queensland Health requested anyone who has been in Victoria since 21 December be tested immediately.
QAS infection prevention officer Mel Rogers said 40 people, a mix of interstate visitors and locals, had been tested in the first hour of the clinic opening.
The temporary clinic will increase the testing capacity in Noosa and operate in addition to the Sunny Street clinic at The J Theatre carpark as well as Sullivan Nicolaides clinics at Tewantin and Noosaville providing testing without the need for a referral.
Ms Rogers said QAS staff from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast had come to set up the clinic, its second in the state, at the Leisure Centre that was provided to them by Noosa Council.
Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie said there had been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Noosa but it was important to encourage as much testing as possible.
“With the requirements for interstate tourists to get tested, it makes sense to have accessible testing sites in Noosa to reduce the waiting times and lengthy queues,“ he said.
QAS officers have been trained to assist and support Queensland Health, Local Health and Hospital Services with COVID-19 testing and rapidly deploy to areas of need.
The clinic will be open from 7am to 5pm at Noosa Leisure Centre, 9 Wallace Drive, Noosaville.
