The testing criteria for COVID-19 will be expanded significantly at all COVID-19 clinics and testing sites across Western Australia.
From Thursday April 9, the testing criteria will be amended to include anyone:
- presenting with a fever (38°C)
- a history of a fever in the last few days OR
- an acute respiratory infection e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat will be tested.
There are now nine COVID clinics open across Western Australia, with the Broome clinic opening its doors on Wednesday. People in regional areas can also get tested at a public hospital, health service or remote health clinic.
Over the four-day Easter long weekend, all metropolitan COVID clinics will adjust their hours. They will open from 10am to 4pm.
The Bunbury Health Campus COVID clinic will maintain regular hours (10am-4pm), as will the Broome Hospital COVID clinic (8.30am-4pm) which opens today.
To date 19,615 people in Western Australia have tested negative for COVID-19.
"By expanding the testing regime we will be able to find new cases, protect our most vulnerable people and ensure we are tracking the movement of this virus in our community," said Health Minister Roger Cook.
"Test, trace and isolate - we know this is vital to stay on top of this deadly and insidious virus. Today's announcement goes to the heart of this important public health strategy.
"If you have symptoms and meet the criteria then please get tested. We are all in this together and together we will get through this."
Members of the public can phone the COVID-19 Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or the 13COVID (132 68 43) number for advice and find more information by visiting http://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au
