Covid chaos! Wonthaggi test centre overrun

THE only COVID-19 testing centre open in the Bass Coast-South Gippsland region on Sunday, January 2, at Wonthaggi, has been overrun by demand for testing from the early hours of the morning.

The response was prompt Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child to make an appeal to those in the long-snaking queue at its Wonthaggi drive-through testing tent, at the old Wonthaggi Secondary College Senior Campus, to go home unless they have symptoms.

“If people have symptoms, they should stay in the line or consider going home, isolating and coming back tomorrow,” Ms Child said.

“We are trying to start earlier tomorrow (Monday, January 3) if we can get the staff.

“If people lining up are asymptomatic or they are lining up for travel or other purposes, they should leave the queue and not come to the tent.”

Ms Child said the staff were doing their best and appealed to those coming through the testing centre to “be patient and kind”.

As well as the Wonthaggi drive-through testing centre, the testing centre drive-through at the Leongatha hospital will be open from 9am on Monday, January 3.

Super spreader New Year’s Eve parties

Reports have been received about one or more “super spreader” events in the local area across New Year’s Eve which may be the reason for some of today’s testing-centre demand.

Plus, centres closed early on New Year’s Eve and remained closed on New Year’s Day.

Those reports have included local hospitality venues where staff and patrons have since tested positive.

Those interested in getting a test are reminded that rules around testing have been changes and tightened in response to the high numbers of positive cases.

Here are the details:

Who can be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) is required for anyone who has symptoms and in very specific circumstances for people who do not have symptoms.

People who have symptoms

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), no matter how mild, should get tested and then stay home.

Common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss or change in sense of smell or taste. In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.

People with no symptoms can get a PCR test in limited circumstances see health department website for up to date details at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

Health Minister's statement on new testing arrangements

Victoria will operationalise isolation and testing requirements for COVID-19 cases and contacts recommended by National Cabinet on December 30, 2021, with new pandemic orders taking effect from 11:59pm December 30, 2021.

The orders are an extension of Victoria’s current settings, which reduced the isolation burden for many when they were introduced in November and defined a household (or close) contact as someone who lives with a case or has spent four or more hours with them in a house, care facility or accommodation.

Under the new orders Victorians who test positive to COVID-19 must isolate for seven days from the date of their test. This is reduced from 10 days.

The orders also mean a change in the way Victorians access PCR tests. PCR tests in Victoria will now be available for anyone who has symptoms and anyone who has tested positive on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

Under the new orders, household contacts who do not have symptoms must use a Rapid Antigen Test on Day 1 and Day 6 of their isolation period and household contacts who are symptomatic must have a PCR test on Day 1 – if they’re negative, they then use a RAT on Day 6 of their isolation period.

For these contacts, if a RAT is not available, a PCR can be used instead. If people who do not have symptoms cannot access a RAT test, they can seek a PCR for their day 1 or day 6 test. Contacts can release themselves from isolation on Day 7 with a negative result on these tests.

Out of caution, household contacts are strongly recommended to use RATs on other days, too – and must get a PCR test if symptoms emerge or if they test positive on a RAT.

All other contacts, like social, workplace and education contacts who have symptoms are required to get a PCR test and isolate until their result, just like any Victorian. If these contacts don’t have symptoms, they are strongly recommended to use a RAT every day for five days.

If people cannot access a RAT test, they should monitor for symptoms and seek a PCR if symptoms emerge. Victorians who don’t have symptoms and who aren’t contacts are asked to always monitor for symptoms and stay COVIDSafe.

Under the new orders, positive cases will now also be required to inform their household and social contacts of their positive result and of the isolation and testing protocols that apply – just like they already have to with their workplace or education settings.

With any surge in cases, this change will mean faster advice and clearer direction to household contacts, coming directly from the people who know them best. The new orders apply retroactively to cases or contacts who are currently quarantining or isolating.

For example, a case who got tested on December 25 and returned a positive result – currently isolating until January 4 – will now isolate until January 1. International travellers will now have the option of completing a RAT on arrival and day 5-7 instead of a PCR test, and they will not be required to isolate. Anyone who is symptomatic or returns a positive RAT is required to get a PCR test and isolate until the results are known.

“These measures strike a balance between containing the risks of COVID-19 to help support a testing system that is efficient and effective in an environment of high case numbers,” said Minister for Health Martin Foley

“Victorians now need to remember to get a PCR if you have symptoms, or if you have had a positive result on a Rapid Antigen Test. For everything else, use Rapid Antigen Tests, monitor for symptoms, and stay COVIDSafe.

“More than 10 per cent of Victorians aged 18 and over have already received their third dose and almost 93 per cent of Victorians 12 and over are fully vaccinated. If you haven’t booked your appointment, please book today.”