COVID-19 testing chaos in the lead-up to Christmas

COVID-19 testing demand is surging in the lead-up to Christmas, with wait times blowing out significantly.

And some people at the weekend reported being turned away, in some cases after spending up to six hours waiting in line.

Testing requirements for those wanting to travel interstate and for those who’ve arrived in Victoria are playing a big part in the demand.

Channel 10 reporter Patrick Murrell spoke with 3AW Breakfast from the Bourke Street Mall on Monday morning, where lines were already up to four hours long.

“A lot of them are quite stressed out about it because they’re trying to travel interstate to see their family after so long,” he said.

“They’ve been trying for days to get tested but are being continually turned away after waiting hours every day.”

“They’re not contacts, they’re not sick, they’re just trying to travel.”

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