Long lines rapidly growing outside Perth COVID-19 clinics
More than 100 people were waiting for a COVID-19 test outside the Royal Perth Hospital clinic before it even opened on Friday.
The line is rapidly growing as demand for virus tests surge following Premier Mark McGowan’s announcement on Thursday that anyone who arrived from New South Wales after December 11 must immediately go into self-isolation and undertake a COVID-19 test within the next 24 hours.
Massive lines form at COVID-19 clinics across Perth as arrivals from NSW rush to get tested. Credit:Nine News Perth
Arrivals from Friday will have to self quarantine for 14 days and be tested for the virus on day 11.
There were concerns the testing system was not coping after hundreds of people lining up on Thursday evening were turned away and told to come back on Friday.
Nine News Perth reporter Olivia Donaldson said some people had lined up for three hours on Thursday only to be told they must come back the following day.
On Friday people were arriving with eskies and camping chairs, better prepared for what could again be a long wait.
Premier Mark McGowan is expected to hold a press conference at about 10am WST.
Daile Cross manages the WAtoday newsroom.