Covid-19 testing facility forced to close indefinitely: Cannon

ONE of the facilities that provided for the collection of samples from the public for the Covid-19 testing in Port Moresby was forced to close yesterday, an official says.
St John Ambulance (SJA) chief executive officer Matt Cannon said SJA regretted to inform the public that due to a decision by the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation, there would no longer be drive-through the Covid-19 testing at the Taurama Aquatic Indoor Centre (TAIC). He said the sports foundation did not disclose the reasons behind its decision but SJA was advised via email to stop using the facility.
“The drive-through had been operating at 9.30am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday to lessen the impact on sports, however, as of today (yesterday), the drive-through will be closed indefinitely,” he said.
“TAIC was the most convenient location, especially due to the structure of the building, allowing cars to pass through.
“This decision by the sports foundation is disappointing and prevents free testing in the National Capital District (NCD).
“There is now no testing available to citizens free of cost in NCD, apart from in-patients at PMGH (Port Moresby General Hospital).
“St John will continue at-home testing, but due to the nature, has no choice but to ask the client to cover a fee (which is) the laboratory fee.
“We have appealed to the sports foundation to over-turn their decision.”
Cannon said on average, two to four people were seen daily, hence, the impact on the sports centre’s operation was exceptionally minimal. He said almost 1,200 samples were collected from the drive-through so far and it was crucial to maintain it and continue to prepare, especially when the virus was re-emerging more contagious and virulent as seen around the world.
Cannon thanked the staff and management of TAIC who had been exceptionally accommodating of St John operating the drive-through testing centre there.