We get it. Getting probed in the nose doesn’t sound like the most delightful experience. Honestly though, going back into lockdown, being bound to your house, mandatory masks, not seeing your pals (let alone hugging them), or be able to hang out at your favourite restaurants and bars is a whole lot worse than a quick swab up the schnoz, don’t you think? Luckily, the fine folk at the Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) are here to make the whole testing process a little less daunting. If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild – yes, we’re even talking about that lingering stuffy nose – don’t go to work, see your pals or hit the shops. Not because that tiny sniff in public will draw eye rolls and glares from other people (how awkward), it’s because you could be unknowingly spreading the virus. Do the right thing and get a COVID test. But where? When? How? Help!

It’s actually pretty simple and there’s really no need to stress or avoid it – there are plenty of testing options across the coast. GCPHN runs and supports a number of free Commonwealth-funded Respiratory Clinics, which are located in Burleigh Heads, Upper Coomera, Hope Island and Nerang (the Nerang clinic is particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families) and offers patients a thorough assessment of respiratory and COVID-19 testing. Just ring ahead or book online – it’s easy peasy. There are also the Fever Clinics at the Gold Coast University Hospital and the Robina Health Precinct, as well as pop-up clinics in tourist areas (Albert Waterways Community Centre, Surfers Paradise Esplanade and, for incoming travellers only, the Gold Coast Airport) offering fuss-free testing seven days a week. None of these clinics require a referral and it’s all completely free – so the next time you think you’ve got any respiratory, cold or flu-like symptoms, whether it’s a good old stuffy nose or you’re just feeling a little run down, it’s time to take one for the team and get tested. That way, we can all go back to planning our European summer holidays, drinking coffees from KeepCups and hugging people.

For more information on COVID-19 testing on the Gold Coast and the symptoms to look out for, head to the Gold Coast Primary Health Network website.

This article was published in conjunction with the team at Gold Coast Primary Health Network.