14 May 2020

More than 400 tests and Canberra remains free of COVID-19

| Michael Weaver
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Dr Kerryn Coleman with an ACT Health staff member

Dr Kerryn Coleman (standing) is urging anyone with COVID-19 symptoms to be tested. Photo: Region Media.

Canberra has recorded its 10th day without a new case of COVID-19.

More than 400 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours and the total number of negative tests in the ACT is now approaching 13,000.

ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman thanked the Canberra community for the large number of COVID-19 tests undertaken in the last 24 hours.

“In just the last day we have completed 429 tests with no detection of any new COVID-19 cases,” Dr Coleman said.

“It is important that we keep testing as many people as we can to get the best possible picture of what is going on in the community.

“Remember that if you have any symptoms at all such as fever, shortness of breath, sore throat or a cough, then please come forward to get tested. Either call your general practitioner or present at one of the designated testing sites.

“We are also testing additional symptoms including sudden onset of loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite.

“For these additional symptoms, the decision to test will be up to the health professional assessing you because these symptoms are much more likely to be due to something other than COVID-19.”

The ACT’s total of positive tests also remains at 107. Three people have died from the virus.

Dr Coleman said that while restrictions have eased, people’s responsibility hasn’t and ACT Health is continuing to take appropriate public health action in line with national guidelines.

“We know people are eager to leave their homes and it is understandable that people want to get out and about; however, we must remember that it only takes one person with COVID-19 to come into contact with others to create a cluster and potentially start a new wave of COVID-19. We don’t want to go backwards so it is important people don’t become complacent or careless with their actions,” Dr Coleman said.

COVID-19 testing is available without an appointment at:

  • The Weston Creek Walk-in Centre (24 Parkinson St, Weston). Open 7:30 am to 10:00 pm daily, including public holidays. Please ensure you use a mask and hand sanitiser available at the front door.
  • The Drive Through Respiratory Assessment Clinic at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC, Flemington Rd & Northbourne Ave, Mitchell). Open 9:30 am to 6:00 pm daily (last car accepted at 5:00 pm), including public holidays. You must be driving or be a passenger in a registered motor vehicle or motorbike to attend this clinic. It cannot be accessed from public transport or on foot.
  • Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health & Community Services (63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah). Open 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. The Winnunga Nimmityjah Respiratory Clinic provides a culturally appropriate assessment and testing centre for First Nations people and existing clients of Winnunga. Before visiting call ahead on 6284 6222 to let them know you think you may have COVID-19.

The ACT Government has established a dedicated COVID-19 website for all information about the health and economic response to the pandemic in the ACT. For further information visit www.covid19.act.gov.au.

The ACT Government has also established a helpline to assist Canberrans through the challenges of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Helpline is 6207 7244 and open between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm daily.

People who are concerned and want further information on the virus can also call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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So pretty much any symptoms of illness are now up for a covid test.

This re-opening theatre.

We’ve flattened the curve and we need to reopen asap.

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