Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream.

LISTEN
Watch
on air now

Create a 2GB account today!

You can now log in once to listen live, watch live, join competitions, enjoy exclusive 2GB content and other benefits.


Joining is free and easy.

You will soon need to register to keep streaming 2GB online. Register an account or skip for now to do it later.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Testing clinic wait time blow-outs put Christmas plans in jeopardy

Article image for Testing clinic wait time blow-outs put Christmas plans in jeopardy

Syndeysiders’ holiday plans are coming apart at the seams as testing clinics become overwhelmed by demand. 

There have been numerous reports of test results taking more than 72 hours to return, shooting down plans to travel interstate.

Nine News reporter Damien Ryan told Chris O’Keefe he heard from one woman who was asked to wait a further 24 hours, three days after she was tested.

“She’s not going to have the result before she gets on the plane tomorrow morning at 7 o’clock,” he said.

“The queues are, I suspect, being driven by the fact that so many people want to travel interstate.

“It’s not people testing because they’ve got symptoms – admittedly there would be many of those – but there’s a lot of people rushing to the border and you’ve got to do it within that 72-hour window.”

Press PLAY below to hear Damien Ryan’s full report 

Chris O’Keefe has heard from multiple listeners, who say they’re having trouble getting tested.

“My blood is boiling right now, as I’ve just been told the test clinics are closing at 4 o’clock,” Paul from Allambie Heights said.

“I’ve been driving around to three different clinics, now. Been turned away at all three of them.”

Press PLAY below to hear reports on the delays from listeners 

Australian Pathology CEO Liesel Wett told Chris the turnaround for test results is currently at around 48 hours.

“We do see these sorts of testing numbers when there’s an outbreak or when people are going on holidays to visit people.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of Australians, particularly Sydneysiders, that are looking to get tested.”

Press PLAY below to hear Liesel Wett’s advice for getting tested 

Image: Nine News 

Chris O'Keefe
Advertisement