Goulburn opens up larger COVID-19 testing clinic at old Bourke Street depot

A Southern NSW Local Health District spokeswoman said the case was notified overnight and would be included in Thursday's numbers.

The case was linked to an ACT exposure location and was not active in the Goulburn community while infectious. The spokeswoman said the person lived in Goulburn and worked in the ACT.

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The Post has sought further information on whether the person tested positive in the ACT or Goulburn, the name of the exposure location and where "a small number of close contacts" were located.

These people are in isolation. Follow-up had been completed and testing was underway.

The case triggered additional testing to be established at Goulburn Base Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

In addition, Capital Pathology moved its testing clinic at 127 Bourke Street to a temporary one at the former council depot at 2 Bourke Street. Regional manager Mark Cummins said the drive-thru had doubled capacity to test 500 people across an eight-hour shift, and solved parking constraints at 127 Bourke Street. Results are returned within an average 18 to 24 hours.

Up until about 3pm Wednesday, staff had completed 95 tests, which included 60 at 127 Bourke Street before the midday start-up at the former depot. Mr Cummins expected to finish 100 by day's end.

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He asked for the council's assistance in establishing an additional clinic on Tuesday night after being advised of the positive Goulburn case.

Mr Cummins commended Mayor Bob Kirk and the council's business manager, property and community services, Ken Wheeldon, for making it happen so quickly.

"It helps us get over these acute stages but if the demand exists, we'll keep it there," he said.

"...It's good to see people (on Wednesday) coming out and getting tested because it means they're being vigilant."

He predicted numbers would ramp up on Thursday as more people became aware of the positive case.

Capital Pathology completed 267 tests on Friday, 82 on Saturday, 201 on Monday and 166 on Tuesday.

The clinic is fully automated. Entry is via Bourke Street, south bound only, with exit into Combermere Street. Staff attend to people in their vehicle and provide a QR code for them to complete registration on their own device. It is open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Saturday (correct until Saturday 21 August).

Meantime, Laverty Pathology collector Crystal Bembridge said the Seiffert Oval drive-thru clinic was undertaking about 100 tests per day, which were mainly construction workers.

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But on Friday, testers completed 500 on the back of ACT cases and fears that Goulburn people could have come into contact.

She did not expect a huge upsurge in numbers given that the positive Canberra case was not infectious in the community. This would only change if other close contacts in Goulburn were identified.

Laverty is returning test results within four to five days, due to high demand.

The clinic is open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

Goulburn Base Hospital also has a walk-in clinic, with no booking required. Pre-register through SNSWLHD COVID-19 Triage line 1800 318 248. Entry is through the 'old' main entrance at Goulburn Base Hospital. at 130 Goldsmith Street. Times: 7am - 5pm Monday - Sunday (correct until Sunday 22 August).

The Health District urges anyone feeling unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches, to self-isolate and seek COVID-19 testing.

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