By Danielle Kutchel
Those keen to get tested for Covid-19 are advised to contact testing sites prior to arrival where possible, for an update on wait times.
The advice on the DHHS website comes as visitors report wait times of several hours at testing sites across Victoria.
Pakenham’s testing site at IYU Recreation Reserve on Henry Road is currently open Monday to Sunday, 9am-4pm.
However, the site may close earlier due to high demand or extreme weather conditions.
A number of places across the south east have been identified as Covid-19 exposure sites in recent days, with visitors urged to get tested or monitor for symptoms depending on the site.
On Tuesday 5 January, the Sikh Temple Keysborough at 206 Perry Road Keysborough was added as an exposure site. Anyone who visited the temple on Friday 1 January from 3pm-5pm must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
In addition, anyone who has visited the following locations during the date and time indicated must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.
Holy Family Parish Doveton Catholic, 100 Power Road, Doveton on Saturday 26 December from 4pm-6pm – case attended Spanish Service
IKEA Springvale – Cafe and Restaurant, 917 Princes Highway, Springvale on Wednesday 30 December from 5.30pm-6.30pm – case dined at cafe.
The DHHS also advises that anyone who has visited any of the following locations during the date and time indicated must get tested immediately and quarantine until you receive a negative result:
Metro Trains Pakenham line on Thursday 31 December from 9pm-9.30pm – case caught train from Westall Station to Flinders St
Holy Family Parish Doveton Catholic, 100 Power Road, Doveton on Saturday 26 December at 6.30pm – case attended English service
Metro Trains Pakenham line on Friday 1 January from 4.30am-5am – case caught train from Flinders St to Westall Station
IKEA Springvale, 917 Princes Hwy, Springvale on Wednesday 30 December from 4pm-6.30pm – case shopped at store and dined at cafe
Springvale Shopping Centre, 46-58 Buckingham Avenue on Tuesday 29 December from 11am-12.30pm – case shopped
Anyone who has visited any of the following locations should monitor for symptoms – if symptoms develop, immediately get tested and isolate until you receive a negative result:
Fountain Gate Shopping Centre: Kmart, Big W, Target, Millers, King of Gifts, Lo Costa on Saturday 26 December from 9am-11am
Coles Hallam, 2 Princes Domain Drive, Hallam on Wednesday 30 December from 6.15am-6.30am – case shopped in store
For a full list of exposure locations, visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks
To find your nearest testing site, visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19 or contact your GP.
