From December 16 to 22, 386 COVID tests were conducted across the Mackay Hospital and Health service. This includes Mackay, Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Bowen. In the week from December 9 to 16, 375 tests were conducted. Across the state, more than 16,350 tests have been performed in just four days, which is an increase of 66 per cent compared to earlier this month. Dr Chris Gill from Affinity Family Medical, who also works in the Whitsunday Respiratory Clinic, said there had been an increase in the number of patients getting tested. Requests from locals with cold or flu like symptoms has also risen, perhaps due to renewed awareness, he said.
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A temporary testing clinic will be set up in Cannonvale as the number of COVID cases in New South Wales continues to climb.
In response to the outbreak, a temporary clinic will be open at the Cannonvale Community Health Centre on Altman Ave from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A decision on whether the clinic will remain open later in the week will be made on Wednesday.
Testing is free and no appointment or referral is required.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, diarrhoea or vomiting is urged to be tested.