A dedicated COVID clinic will open at Broome Hospital on Wednesday as part of the McGowan Government's immediate response to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the Kimberley region.
The clinic will operate from 8.30am-4pm, seven days a week and will be staffed by clinicians and administrative teams following strict infection control measures.
Anybody with either a fever of or above 38 degrees or an acute respiratory infection should present for testing as soon as possible.
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.
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
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"It makes sense that we would move to establish a dedicated clinic in the town and implore anyone experiencing either a fever or an acute respiratory infection to get tested as soon as possible.
"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.
"WA Health continues to work closely with Aboriginal Medical Services and other key agencies, and together they will continue to do everything within their power to protect you from COVID-19.
"It's crucial that Western Australians continue to adhere to the rules surrounding social distancing and the nationwide shutdown of non-essential services."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
"I am pleased to hear that the COVID clinic is opening on Wednesday 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.
"Kimberley residents should continue to follow directions from the State Government and stay home where possible."
