Testing clinic wait time blow-outs put Christmas plans in jeopardy
Syndeysiders’ holiday plans are coming apart at the seams as testing clinics become overwhelmed by demand.
There have been numerous reports of test results taking more than 72 hours to return, shooting down plans to travel interstate.
Nine News reporter Damien Ryan told Chris O’Keefe he heard from one woman who was asked to wait a further 24 hours, three days after she was tested.
“She’s not going to have the result before she gets on the plane tomorrow morning at 7 o’clock,” he said.
“The queues are, I suspect, being driven by the fact that so many people want to travel interstate.
“It’s not people testing because they’ve got symptoms – admittedly there would be many of those – but there’s a lot of people rushing to the border and you’ve got to do it within that 72-hour window.”
Press PLAY below to hear Damien Ryan’s full report
Chris O’Keefe has heard from multiple listeners, who say they’re having trouble getting tested.
“My blood is boiling right now, as I’ve just been told the test clinics are closing at 4 o’clock,” Paul from Allambie Heights said.
“I’ve been driving around to three different clinics, now. Been turned away at all three of them.”
Press PLAY below to hear reports on the delays from listeners
Australian Pathology CEO Liesel Wett told Chris the turnaround for test results is currently at around 48 hours.
“We do see these sorts of testing numbers when there’s an outbreak or when people are going on holidays to visit people.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of Australians, particularly Sydneysiders, that are looking to get tested.”
Press PLAY below to hear Liesel Wett’s advice for getting tested
Image: Nine News