Although grateful for the State Government’s swift action in opening regional COVID-19 testing clinics in South Australia, Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP says this initiative hasn’t gone far enough.

Testing clinics opened in Port Augusta and Whyalla this week, but Mr Brock believes it is important to also have a testing clinic in Port Pirie as a matter of urgency.

“The City of Port Pirie has a population of 14,200 and also captures residents from many surrounding rural towns and would be an important and strategic town for the implementation of a testing clinic to service Mid North and Spencer Gulf residents,” Mr Brock said.

“I am calling on the State Government to expand the number of regional testing clinics to include Port Pirie.”

Mr Brock said that while the State Government had said planning was underway for additional clinics decisions about their location and the roll out needed to be made as a matter of urgency.

Mr Brock said that although testing clinics for COVID-19 being located in areas such as Mt Barker, Whyalla and Port August were an excellent start, he agreed more clinics were necessary to ensure the health and welfare of regional residents, particularly those who have recently returned from overseas and those they have been in contact with.

“We have to ensure the ongoing health and safety of our regional residents, while at the same time taking the pressure off our health services and hospitals.

“The establishing of a drive-through COVID-19 clinic in Port Pirie would also reduce the travel burden for our regional residents and would be a safer option and very much appreciated by our electors,” Mr Brock said.

Having more clinics means that more regional residents can be assessed, tested and referred if suspected of having Coronavirus, with the ability to directly liaise with SA Health’s Communicable Disease Control Branch in the event the contact tracing process is required.