Pop-up surveillance testing for COVID-19 in Balclutha, Thursday 10 September

Thursday 03 September 2020

Media Release
02 September 2020

 Pop-up surveillance testing for COVID-19 in Balclutha, Thursday 10 September

 Balclutha area residents are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19. 

 

Clutha Health First, Tokomairiro Waiora, Clutha District Council, WellSouth primary health network and Southern DHB are providing COVID-19 swabbing at a one day ‘pop-up’ surveillance testing site. 

 The drive-through testing centre will be at the Cross Recreation Centre, 18 Glasgow Street, on Thursday 10 September, 10am to 4pm.

 “I encourage everyone to come out and have a test, even if you don’t have any symptoms,” says Ray Anton, CEO, Clutha Health First. “It only takes a few minutes and it’s free.”

 

This pop-up surveillance site is part of ongoing surveillance testing in the South and around the country that is happening over the next couple of weeks.

 Dr Susan Jack, Southern DHB, Medical Officer of Health, says testing asymptomatic people in the community is an important part of ensuring the district continues to be free of COVID-19.

 “We remain at Alert Level 2 and there are currently no cases of COVID-19 or community transmission in the district,” she says. “Pop up testing sites help us to continue to ensure this is the case – particularly as people are moving around the country more.”

 

Wendy Findlay, WellSouth Director of Nursing, says: “This drive through pop-up testing site helps make COVID-19 testing convenient and accessible.”

 Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan says: “I encourage everyone in the Clutha district to show solidarity and support. This is a prudent measure that we should all contribute to and do our part.”

 

Testing available in general practice

 Testing continues to be available for people with symptoms at general practices throughout the Southern region. Anyone wanting testing should call their GP or 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847-8719) to be referred for testing. Testing is free and available seven days a week.

 

What to know about COVID-19 testing:

  1. COVID testing is free for everyone, regardless of citizenship or visa status.
  2. Information is not shared for immigration related or other enforcement purposes.
  3. You don’t need to be enrolled with a doctor or general practice to be tested.
  4. You don’t need to self-isolate (But if you are sick, stay home until you are symptom-free - just as you should when you have a cold.)
  5. You do need to provide contact details – usually a phone number – so you can be informed of your test results.

More Health Information

Healthline free on 0800 611 116 can also provide advice about any health issues. And For COVID-19 specific enquiries – call 0800 358 5453 (or for international SIMs +64 9 358 5453)

Call 0800 VIRUS19 for more information on where to get tested in the Southern district. Or check https://www.southernhealth.nz/COVID-19

The latest case definition and testing guidance for COVID-19 from the Ministry of Health can be found here.

 

ENDS

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