Covid-19 drive-through testing venue to reopen, says official

THE Covid-19 drive-through testing venue at the Taurama Aquatic Centre in Port Moresby that was closed last week because PNG Defence Force medics were undergoing quarantine for routine testing will reopen today, an official says.
Commissioner and chief executive officer of St John Ambulance (SJA) Mathew Cannon confirmed the medics were cleared and were ready to work although there had been suggestions that the centre would close because it had run out of money.
“The defence force medics were cleared last week so we are open to serve patients” Cannon said.
He said testing was organised by the New Zealand government and soldiers had helped with swabbing.
“The New Zealand government covered the pilot testing” Cannon said. “We have just received partial payment from the PNG government through the National Capital District provincial health authority.
The centre started its operation early this month with more than 400 swabs collected so far.
“When we began the operation, between 40 and 70 were swabbed daily,” Cannon said.
He assured people that testing would only be conducted on those who had one or two symptoms of Covid-19. The centre will be open Monday to Saturday.