COVID contacts ‘accept’ isolation over Christmas as test lines blow out

Long queues have formed at testing sites around Perth as WA Health continues to identify contacts of a COVID case.
The 25-year-old man has been in WA for 12 days, staying in a house in Girrawheen with four other people and his girlfriend, who is symptomatic.
Anyone who has been to the locations listed as exposure sites, or who is feeling unwell, must get tested at a COVID clinic.
- See the full list of exposures sites HERE
Close contacts will have to isolate for 14 days and casual contacts must isolate until a negative result is returned.
Nine News reporter Ezra Holt told Mark Gibson people in lines at the Joondalup Hospital and Elcar Park testing clinics are expecting it’ll take 72 hours to get their results back.
“A lot of them tried getting tested last night but were turned away and have tried their luck again this morning,” he said.
“Most of them have accepted the fact that they’re going to be isolating for Christmas.
“It does seem likely with the demand we’re seeing at test clinics across Perth there will be very high demand.”
Press PLAY below to hear Ezra Holt’s full report
6PR reporter Mitch Turner told Mark lines are expected to ramp up at the Royal Perth Hospital clinic.
“It’s set up quite well here, there is a large white marquee here where everyone who is lining up can get under and get some shade from the sun.
“We are expecting those queues to potentially ramp up as exposure site lists do grow and we unfortunately potentially get more cases.”
Press PLAY below to hear Mitch Turner’s report
Image: Getty