EPIC Covid test site closes gates due to demand

Large queues at the EPIC drive-through testing clinic. Picture: Keegan Carroll

The EPIC drive-through testing clinic has closed its gates to new people wanting to get a Covid test due to significant demand.

ACT health authorities said large numbers of people had turned out for testing on Tuesday afternoon, putting significant pressure on the system.

The large volume of people wanting to be tested prompted ACT Health to urge people to stay home on Tuesday afternoon, rather than go out for testing if they had symptoms.

"We've closed the gates for now to give our staff the chance to test all of those already inside, and hope to be able to make a further announcement later today once we have the capacity to reopen," an ACT Health spokeswoman said.

"The drive through Covid testing clinic at EPIC has once again been inundated this afternoon as hundreds of people turn out to get tested."

Drivers were waiting in the cars for get a test at the EPIC site for almost nine hours due to the demand for testing in the ACT.

❗ Important Testing Update – 3pm Tuesday 17 August ❗

We’re so grateful for your patience, Canberra.

The drive through COVID-19 testing clinic at EPIC has once again been inundated this afternoon as hundreds of people turn out to get tested. pic.twitter.com/uG4ILeFUFt

— ACT Health (@ACTHealth) August 17, 2021

It comes as the ACT recorded its largest day for tests carried out, with more than 7300 conducted on Monday, or almost 2 per cent of Canberra.

While EPIC may have closed off to new people for testing, other sites across the ACT have been experiencing significant demand.

"All of the ACT's testing sites are very busy, so we'd recommend staying home for now, rather than joining the long queues," the health spokeswoman said.

The ACT government has reopened the Kambah drive-through testing clinic after it was closed earlier this year.

However, the Kambah clinic is only being used for high-risk testing at this stage and is not open for the general public.

High demand for testing has been seen at Brindabella Park, Weston Creek, along with a pop-up site at Gold Creek School following a case at the school.