Testing to scale back with Reid Park closure

For the last two months, Thomas Wright has been testing community members at the Reid Park COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic, but on Friday he will complete his final COVID-19 test.

“I’ve lost count of how many tests I have personally completed, but I do remember the community spirit though which has been incredibly strong and particularly supportive of our health service,’’ he said.

‘‘I’d like to thank the community for having our backs during what has been a challenging time for us all.

“I’ll be gladly putting down the testing swabs for now and am excited to return to university as I ‘ve decided to study my Master’s in nursing.

‘‘I’ve loved being here for the North Queensland community, and I never thought I’d say this, but I’m pretty excited to be going back to university and study.’’

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) chief executive Kieran Keyes said since opening the testing clinic on 3 January, more than 12,500 PCR tests had been completed and more than 13,000 RAT kits had been handed out.

“The Townsville HHS reopened Reid Park as a testing clinic at the beginning of January to assist with the surge in demand for testing following the reopening of the Queensland borders,” Mr Keyes said.

“Since then, our staff have completed thousands of PCR tests and handed out thousands of RAT kits to support our community as COVID-19 case numbers rose. “Thankfully, we’re moving at a steady pace and the demand for testing has waned, which is why we’re able to close Reid Park as a testing clinic and begin transferring staff back into their usual roles.

“I am so thankful to every staff member who enabled us to expand our testing options for the community and who worked in sometimes extreme weather conditions to support the community.”

Testing will remain available at 1300 Smiles Stadium seven days a week from 8am until 6pm.

Executive COVID-19 lead Judy Morton said the prevalence and availability of RAT kits had helped reduced demand and wait times at the testing facilities.

“When we opened Reid Park, it was at a time where the community was lining up for hours to get tested and the demand was really significant,” Mrs Morton said.

“Now we have a steady and secure supply of RAT kits available and we’re looking ahead to get our staff back in their usual duties wherever possible.

“I want to stress that if we see a further surge in demand for testing, we will respond and scale the capacity up if needed.

“It is still important that close contacts and those with COVID-19 symptoms continue to come forward for testing.

“I’d like to thank the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group for all their support setting up testing clinics over the last few months, the staff for their hard work and dedication, and the community for their patience as we managed the huge level of demand.”

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group chairperson and Mayor Jenny Hill commended the community for continually rising to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Once again, the Townsville community has rallied in the face of adversity as it has done many times in the past,” Cr Hill said.

“We are fortunate in Townsville to have a well-organised and responsive disaster management group with excellent cooperation between member organisations.

“This means we are able to act quickly to provide the support the community needs in a timely and efficient manner, and the response to the pandemic demonstrates that.

“The LDMG stands ready to provide any further support the Townsville HHS needs into the future.”