By Laura Michell
A coronavirus testing blitz is underway in Broadmeadows after the suburb was identified as one of the worst in Victoria for community transmission of COVID-19.
Premier Daniel Andrews this morning revealed that Keilor Downs and Broadmeadows were the “worst affected” by the virus, prompting the testing blitz.
He said the government was striving to test 50 per cent of residents in both suburbs over the next three days.
A testing blitz will also be carried out in Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham over the next 10 days, with those suburbs identified as also having a “community transmission challenge”.
A team of 1000 doorknockers will be deployed, talking to the community in affected suburbs and encouraging people to get tested, regardless of whether they have symptoms.
“We will have ambulances and other vans that will literally be at the end of people’s streets. So, they will be invited to come and get a test, and they’ll only have to travel 50 metres or 100 metres in order to complete that test,” Mr Andrews said.
“People are going to be knocking on your door and they are going to be asking you to get tested. Please say yes. Please go and get tested, that is the most important thing people in those suburbs can do to help us contain this virus.”
A new testing centre was opened at Broadmeadows Central this morning. Testing will be available Monday-Friday, between 10am and 6pm.
