Testing blitz hits Pakenham

Pakenham Covid screening facility. Pictured: site coordinator Kerrie Barwick, administration officer Maree and screening nurse Bethany. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 208246_01

By Mitchell Clarke

The Covid-19 testing blitz has hit the Cardinia Shire, with a new testing site opening in Pakenham.

Pakenham Health Centre on Henty Way became an official testing site on Monday 4 May, as the State Government moves to test 100,000 Victorians over two weeks.

Prior to the opening, Cardinia Shire residents were forced to travel to the nearest screening facility, which was in Berwick or Narre Warren.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said constituents had been inquiring about local testing areas.

“This is really good news for not just residents in the Pakenham area but also across to Lang Lang and up to Nar Nar Goon,” Ms Crugnale said.

“The closer the clinic, the easier it is to get too and the more people get tested which is what we want and need.”

The Gazette sought comment from Monash Health regarding how many tests were carried out on the opening day.

Cardinia recorded three new cases on Monday 4 May, bringing the shire’s total to 16 cases.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) didn’t specify on whether the local cases were related to a meatworks cluster at a Brooklyn abattoir, in Melbourne’s west.

The State Government is urging people to get tested, stating the blitz would provide a “better understanding” of how the virus spreads throughout the community.

“The main aim of this increase in testing is to improve access and actively search for cases, allowing us to gain a better picture of this virus and make informed decisions for Victoria,” Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said.

The tests will also form part of the decision on whether some of the State of Emergency restrictions can be eased when the period ends on Monday 11 May.

“Please get tested even with the mildest of symptoms,” Ms Crugnale added.

“I encourage our construction, retail, healthcare, emergency services workers, teachers and people that can’t work from home to get tested even if you don’t have any symptoms.”

Premier Daniel Andrews said the situation remained “fragile and that frustrations around the restrictions didn’t mean the virus threat was over.

“Everyone has a stake in this,” he said.

“That testing has never been more important in giving us the options we all want.”

Monash Health said the test generally takes less than a minute and involves searching for evidence of the virus in a sample, usually collected from the back of the throat or nose.

The test is sent to a laboratory to be tested for the virus and the patient can expect to be contacted with results by the clinic, usually within a three day period.

If you have symptoms and are advised by a doctor or healthcare worker, you should return home immediately after the test and remain in self-isolation until you receive a result.

Those being tested without symptoms aren’t required to self-isolate while waiting for results.

Anyone showing symptoms, no matter how mild, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, is encouraged to get tested.

A Medicare card or some form of identification, such as a driver’s license or student ID, is required.

No appointment is required.

The Pakenham Health Centre is located on Henty Way and is open from 1-4pm on Monday’s and from 8.30am-4pm Tuesday to Friday.

Other testing locations include 7 Gibb Street, Berwick, Westfield Fountain Gate and 140-154 Sladen Street, Cranbourne.

More information: www.dhss.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.