Coronavirus: Queensland COVID-19 clinics overwhelmed as thousands rush to be tested
Coronavirus testing clinics in Brisbane have been overwhelmed as thousands of Queenslanders heed health advice to get tested after a number of new cases were identified at the weekend.
Long lines of cars have already formed at testing clinics around the city including one at Murarrie, where people have been queuing since 5am.
A pathology manager told 9News too many people were turning up without a referral from a doctor, or telehealth referral, which was slowing down processing.
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Testing clinic at Murarrie in Queensland where hundreds are queuing to be tested for COVID-19. Nine/Today
Drivers told Today they returned early after being turned away last night due to a backlog of people waiting to be tested.
Authorities at the clinic are now putting cars into a carpark across the road to try and ease some of the congestion seen in the area yesterday.
One man who works in Browns Plains, which has now been placed on alert, has returned for a second day to be tested.
READ MORE: Full list of locations visited by positive COVID-19 cases in Queensland
Ariel shots reveal giant queues forming at a testing clinic in Murarrie, Brisbane. 9News
"I lined up yesterday for a couple of hours but I got turned around," he told Today.
The man said he was willing to wait for a test despite lengthy delays.
"Better to be safe than sorry."
Queensland Health is racing to find new active cases to halt the spread of the growing detention centre outbreak.
Nine more locations were added to Queensland's coronavirus watchlist after the state recorded one new case yesterday.
Testing clinic at Murarrie in Queensland where hundreds are queuing to be tested for COVID-19. Nine/Today
Health authorities are urging people to get tested with even the mildest symptoms, as Queensland Health released a list of dozens of sites visited by positive cases.
"We would like to see more tests being conducted," Ms Palaszczuk said.
Queensland Health has issued public health alerts for more than 55 sites across the state's south east to contain the detention centre outbreak.
Anyone who visited the following locations is urged to get tested:
- 711 service station, Springfield - August 16, 12:10-12:15pm
- Calamvale Shopping Centre, Calamvale - August 17, 1:30-2pm
- United Fuels, Springfield – August 18, 6:05-6:12pm
- Officeworks, Ipswich - August 19, 11-11:10am
- Sherwood Transport and Main Roads Customer Service Centre, Sherwood - August 19, 12:30-1pm
- 711 service station, Springfield - August 19, 7:30-7:35pm
- USQ Campus Cafe, Springfield - August 20, 12:05-12:13pm
- Coles supermarket, Forest Lake - August 20, 3:15-4pm
- Orion Shopping Centre, Springfield - August 21, 4:15-5pm
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