An Echuca couple was tested for coronavirus on Monday, May 11, and was told not to expect them until Monday.
“My wife had a sore throat and her work supervisors told her to get tested, so we did the right thing and both got tested, notified our workplaces and self-isolated at home,” the man, who did want to be identified, said.
“They initially told us there would be a three-day turnaround but on Wednesday they called and said they had a lot to process and it could take six to seven days.
“In the city, there is a 24-hour turnaround. Why is it taking so long for people in country areas?
“Now we’re stuck at home until next week. It’s very frustrating. I’m not so much worried that I may have it, but I’m concerned about the people we’ve come in contact with.
“By the time we get our results, it’ll be too late.”
Echuca Regional Health chief executive Nick Bush said the service had tested 1000 people over the recent 10-day testing blitz.
“That’s 100 people a day which was a lot more than we expected,” he said.
“There has been something like 100,000 tests done across the state in 10 days so testing facilities are being overwhelmed with the number of tests.
“The testing blitz has meant test results have been delayed which we understand is difficult for families because from the minute you have tested and are symptomatic, you have to self-isolate and that can be a long time to be out of work.
“Hopefully times will reduce now the testing blitz has passed.”
Mr Bush said ERH sent its swabs to Goulburn Valley Health pathology.
“Most tests are done in Melbourne and a small number are done at the Shepparton site,” he said.
“We can get the courier here at 10am and the tests can be in Melbourne that afternoon, so there's not a huge delay with getting them over there.”
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