COVID clinic to open in Broome

A dedicated COVID clinic will open in the Kimberley this week as part of the State Government's response to reducing the spread of coronavirus in the region.

WA health minister Roger Cook announced this morning the clinic was due open at Broome Hospital on Wednesday and operate from 8.30am-4pm, seven days a week.

Clinic staff are expected to test for COVID-19 in line with the expanded testing criteria for the Kimberley.

Mr Cook said anyone with either a fever of or above 38 degrees or an acute respiratory infection should present for testing as soon as possible.

“It makes sense that we would move to establish a dedicated clinic in the town and I implore anyone experiencing either a fever or an acute respiratory infection to get tested as soon as possible,” he said.

“The expanded testing regime in the town of Broome and remote Aboriginal communities will help us to find new cases, protect our most vulnerable and ensure we are tracking the movement of this virus as it develops.

“I know communities in the Kimberley are concerned but I want to be clear, all our WA Country Health Service sites remain operational.”

In other Kimberley communities, those requiring testing are able to attend any WA Country Health Service hospital or health service or clinics operated by Aboriginal Medical Services or the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

As of Saturday night, more than 240 COVID tests have been undertaken in the Kimberley with 170 of those occurring in Broome.

State member for Kimberley Josie Farrer said she was pleased to hear the COVID clinic was opening in Broome.

“The new COVID clinic will help identify cases in the Kimberley and anyone with a fever or acute respiratory infection should get tested straight away,” she said.

“Kimberley residents should continue to follow directions from the State Government and stay home where possible.”

The community is reminded that the COVID clinic is not intended to replace medical care available through general practitioners or at a hospital emergency department.

Members of the public can phone the COVID-19 Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or the 13COVID (132 68 43) number for advice and find more information by visiting http://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au