The Princess Margaret Hospital is hosting a pop up Covid-19 testing centre today. A line was already forming at the testing site on Wednesday morning.
About a dozen people have already walked into the centre, which will be open until 4:30pm.
One woman, who spoke to the NZ Herald as she went in, said she had no symptoms but wanted to get a test as she had been at the Countdown supermarket on Colombo St within minutes of the infected hotel worker.
She had brought along her receipt so she could show the health staff when she was at the supermarket.
Dr Hannah Gordon, of the Canterbury District Health Board, said the site is close to Cashmere High School and Colombo St Countdown, which are both connected to the first case.
"While we don't believe there is any risk for Cashmere High students, we understand that many people may be concerned and will be keen to get tested."
"However, we will be here for anyone who wants to pop in and get tested.
"At present you don't need to have symptoms to qualify for free testing."
The centre will be open from 11.30am to 4.30pm.
Free Covid testing continues to be available at most general practices in Canterbury and at two Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs):
- Orchard Rd CBAC (near Airport), 174 Orchard Rd, (Off Harewood Rd). Open 9am-4pm, 7 days a week until further notice. (Walk-in/no referral required).
- Whānau Ora Community Clinic CBAC (Wainoni), 250 Pages Rd, Wainoni. Open 9am-4pm, 7 days a week. (Walk-in/no referral required).
At this stage the new temporary pop-up Covid-19 testing centre will be open today only but If there is a demand it may remain open longer.
