‘It only takes one’: Geraldton clinic warns against COVID apathy

In Western Australia, some people might feel like we’re back to business as usual, but the staff at one of Geraldton’s testing clinics have urged the community to remain vigilant for COVID-19’s loitering threat. “It only takes one ... we’ve got to look after our lifestyle and our economy,” said Mid West Respiratory Clinic practice manager Tonia Swetman. The clinic had processed more than 1860 negative tests since it opened in April, but Ms Swetman said it was still vital for anyone with symptoms to get tested. “While we haven’t got a lot of COVID (in Western Australia) and we have got a fairly robust system, it does depend on people getting tested,” Ms Swetman said. She said the clinic had seen around 10-15 patients a day on average, with people travelling from all over the region to take the free test. She has urged people to take the virus seriously and stay completely isolated while they are awaiting their results. “Please stay at home,” she said. Defence Satellite Communication Station manager Rolly Layton visited the COVID-19 clinic recently after experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. “It’s only mild, but you’ve got to do the right thing when you are the boss,” he said. A WA Country Health Service spokesperson said symptomatic people could also visit the Geraldton Hospital for a COVID-19 test and patients should visit the testing centre closest to their residence. “COVID-19 testing is available at all WA Country Health Service hospitals and health services as well as local clinics and through private pathology centres,” she said. Of the more than 400,000 COVID-19 tests that have been performed by healthcare providers in Western Australia, 650 have showed a positive result. Globally, there have been 996,674 deaths, nine in WA.