
After about one week of operation a temporary COVID-19 testing centre set up in a portable building in the car park of the Wellsford Health Centre has so far found no patient testing positive for the virus. Around 10 patients were tested yesterday.
Numbers presenting for testing have increased daily since the facility opened last week. Patients seeking testing are advised to phone first on 423 8086, drive to the centre and remain in their cars.
Medical staff in protective clothing will come and perform the test in the patient’s car. The test normally takes between 20 to 30 minutes and test results are usually known within 24 hours.
Discussions over the possibility of opening a second testing facility in Morrison Drive, Warkworth, are currently taking place with the Waitemata District Health Board.