Take the test, Queenstown! Pop up testing clinic 08 October

Thursday 08 October 2020

People in Queenstown Lakes with COVID-19 symptoms, plus all hospitality workers whether they have symptoms or not, are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 at a one-day, pop-up testing clinic in central Queenstown. 

Queenstown COVID-19 Testing Clinic
Village Green
Camp Street
Thursday 08 October
8am to 8pm

This is a walk-in clinic - no appointment is needed. As always, COVID-19 testing is FREE and results can be expecting with 48 to 72 hours.

Everyone with symptoms is encouraged to get a test - even those who may have been tested at the last pop up testing clinics in September. In particular, public health officials are asking all those working in the hospitality sector to have a COVID-19 test, including hotel and restaurant staff, public-facing tourism, airport and transport workers, whether or not they currently have symptoms.

Southern DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Michael Butchard says this latest pop-up clinic is part of continued surveillance testing taking place across the Southern district and around the country

“Queenstown-Lakes is a great place for school holidays and since people are here from all over New Zealand, it’s a good place to do COVID-19 testing as well,” he says.

“While we are currently free of COVID-19 in our region, we must remain vigilant to keep it that way. This testing station is part of the plan to pick up any outbreaks early, which will help keep our communities safe.”

WellSouth has helped to delivered dozens of pop-up and surveillance testing events in communities and at seaports in the Southern region over the past six months.

“We’ve conducted surveillance testing across the region and every time we have been in Queenstown-Lakes the community has been tremendously supportive and only too willing to play a part in keeping Otago and Southland free of COVID,” says Andrew Swanson Dobbs, CEO WellSouth. “Thank you to everyone who has a test. You are making a real difference.”

Ashley Light, Queenstown Medical Centre CEO, says he expects Queenstown hospitality workers and visitors with symptoms will take advantage of the easy access to free swabbing.

“The pop up clinic has extended hours from 8am until 8pm and I think this gives people extra opportunity to stop by and have a test,” he says. “We all have a part to play in staying safe and COVID free. Let’s send a strong message to our fellow Kiwis.”

About COVID-19 Testing

  • Testing is free – regardless of citizenship or visa status
  • Information is not shared for enforcement or any other purposes
  • You do not need to self-isolate after a test
  • You do not need to be enrolled with a general practice
  • Testing is for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, plus all front-facing hospitality/tourism/public transport workers whether they have symptoms or not.
  • Results are usually available in 48 hours  to 72 hours.

0800 VIRUS-19

COVID-19 testing continues to be available through most general practices across the region and is free.  0800VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719) can help refer anyone in the Southern region for testing. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should not wait to be tested and should contact their GP or 0800 VIRUS 19 as soon as possible 

Continue to practice good hygiene

  • Keep washing your hands regularly
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
  • Stay at home if you are unwell
  • Consider wearing a mask on public transport and other enclosed, crowded places.

 

View more news