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Martin de Ruyter / Things
This Friday, a Covid-19 pop-up test station will be installed in the Wakatu Square parking lot, downtown.
Nelsons are being offered the peace of mind of Covid-19 at a pop-up testing station in the city center this Friday.
The tests will be available in the Wakatu Square parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., even if you don’t have symptoms.
Nelson Marlborough Health Medical Director Dr. Nick Baker said the initiative was part of an ongoing strategy to ensure that there was no Covid-19 in the community.
Those working in the hospitality, tourism and service sectors, including bus and taxi drivers, were strongly encouraged to take the opportunity to take the test.
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The tests are free regardless of citizenship or visa status, and results are usually available within 48 hours.
Individuals do not need to be enrolled in a general practice and generally do not need to isolate themselves after asymptomatic testing.
More than 9,719 tests have been conducted among more than 8,958 people in the Nelson Marlborough region since August 13, when new cases of Covid-19 emerged in Auckland.
Since the Tahūnanui Community Based Assessment Center (CBAC) in the former Suburban Club closed on September 20, various mobile units have been traveling the region.
“The tests give us confidence that we do not have Covid-19 in our community,” Baker said. “Staying on top of the tests will also reassure people who plan to spend some time in our beautiful region this summer.”
Braden Fastier / Stuff
Health professionals screen patients at the Covid-19 Community Assessment Center in Tahunanui, Nelson, earlier this year.
Baker said NMH adjusted its testing strategy regularly, in response to instructions from the Ministry of Health.
He said the focus on the hospitality, tourism and service industries was an ongoing strategic focus, as was surveillance testing at borders – ports and airports.
This week, Port Nelson reaffirmed its commitment to prevent Covid-19 border incursions at the region’s marine entrance while monitoring situations involving port workers in other parts of the country.
All port personnel who come into contact with crew members are required to undergo a Covid test biweekly.
Between October 5-9, 72 tourism workers were screened in Kaiteriteri. A pop-up window is also planned in Picton for tour operators in the region.
Those who cannot go to the pop-up station can still get tested at their regular GP or iwi healthcare provider, or at an after-hours medical center listed on the NMH website.
