12 January, 2022
Calls to make COVID-19 testing more accessible
With COVID-19 cases rising across Queensland, Oakey pharmacies and other businesses are urging the State and Federal Governments to supply them with more Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) as more local residents turn to this type of testing to make sure they aren’t spreading the virus in the community.
The Oakey Pharmacy co-owner Nathan Jervis said he is still waiting on a delivery of RAT tests which he ordered in November.
“We can’t get any. I think most pharmacies and businesses are they same. I see some RAT tests at the odd business in Toowoomba but I don’t know where they have sourced them from,” he said.
Mr Jervis said the local pharmacy has seen a huge demand for the product with testing sites in Toowoomba buckling under the high number of patients.
“The phone has not stopped ringing from people wanting to purchase RAT tests," he said.
“It’s been crazy."
He urged Oakey residents to be considerate of his staff and employees of other businesses when enquiring about COVID-19 testing.
“Please be kind. We are doing our best,” Mr Jervis said.
“There is no point getting cranky at us because we are doing everything we can in the situation.”
Mr Jervis said he is unsure when his supply of RAT tests will arrive.
“I have been told mid- January, but it’s hard to know,” he said.
He said he is currently trying to make an appointment with Member for Groom Garth Hamilton to discuss his concerns with the testing process and the burden placed on community pharmacies.
Mr Jervis said RAT tests are becoming more cost effective for governments than traditional PCR tests but the supply needs to be there for the process to work.
COVID-19 TEST SITES
While local businesses wait for stocks of RAT tests, Oakey residents wanting to get tested are still urged to visit one of the Toowoomba drop-in facilities at the Showgrounds or Baillie
Updates on test availability are provided on the Darling Downs Health Facebook page as capacity limits are often reached.
Oakey residents who have underlying health issues or who are worried about their symptoms can get tested at Sullivan Nicolaides, Cherry Street only with a GP referral.
For more information on testing sites go to: www. qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus- covid-19/stay-informed/ testing-and-fever-clinics
