Oamaru Covid-19 Community Based Testing Centre - opens Saturday February 19
Thursday 17 February 2022Waitaki residents will have greater access to Covid-19 testing with the opening of Community Based Testing Centre on Saturday.
No appointments are required for the drive through testing centre at Awamoa Park in Oamaru, which opens this Saturday and wil operate 9am to 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
The clinic is a collaboration between Te Kaika Caversham and WhiteStone Family Practice.
Albie Laurence, Chief Executive, Te Kaika says: "Te Kaika has put considerable resources into keeping our communities safe from Covid-19. A huge part of this has been in our mahi testing for the virus, through a combination of temporary and permanent testing stations in both Dunedin and Queenstown. We've done tens of thousands of tests, and have worked hard to maintain incredibly high quality, while keeping our staff and whānau safe.
“As Omicron spreads around Aotearoa, it's more important than ever that towns like Oamaru are prepared for the outbreak. We're pleased to partner with our colleagues at White Stone Family Practice to make sure that access is never a barrier in Oamaru. "
Paul Rowe, WellSouth Practice Network Director, says that while general practice teams in the Waitaki area and across the district continue to work incredibly hard to deliver Covid-19 testing and other healthcare services, it is important to ensure additional capacity is available without appointment, to complement the work of practices, Māori and Pasifika health providers and others.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure if someone needs a Covid test, we make it as accessible as possible. We are very grateful to all providers who are working together to keep our communities safe,” Paul says. “And our thanks as well for community members for getting tested. You are doing your part.”
In addition to the new Community Based Testing Centre in Oamaru, there are other CBTCs in Invercargill, two in Dunedin, and two in Frankton.
Covid tests are available across the district for anyone who is symptomatic, been at a location of interest, or who has been directed by public health officials to be tested. Testing is free.
More information about where to access Covid testing in Southern can be found on the WellSouth Web site https://wellsouth.nz/community/covid-19/ or by calling 0800 VIRUS-19 (0800 847 8719)
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