Drive-thru test pickups open

SEVERAL drive-thru rapid antigen test (RATs) collection sites are now open to the public in Geelong and Torquay as an alternative to PCR testing.

RATs can be collected from Barwon Health North in Norlane and via ACL’s Spring Creek Reserve site in Torquay to people who meet the Department of Health criteria as close contacts and those with COVID-19 symptoms.

Close contacts include having spent more than four hours with someone who has COVD-19 inside a house, accommodation or care facility, or confirmed as other contact like work, social interaction or  education.

Epworth Geelong is also operating a daily drive-through rapid antigen test collection site at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds between 8am and 4pm, until 6 February.

“We know it has been stressful for everyone as case numbers were on the rise and that was compounded by the difficulty in accessing a Rapid Antigen Test,” said Leonie Lloyd, executive general manager of Epworth Geelong.

“The pop-up drive through site will help fill the gap for symptomatic people and close contacts until more RATs are available in the community later in February.”

The site is located at Deakin’s Car Park 3 via Nicol Drive South and is open between 8am and 4pm daily.

For the latest on where to get RATs in the region visit barwonhealth.org.au.