Manning Great Lakes Police have paid tribute to the team at the Taree Respiratory Clinic who provided COVID testing to hundreds of people on the public holiday Monday (December 27).
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Many of the people in the queue required testing to travel interstate.
Police said the crowd gathered at the Taree Health Hub from 8am.
"Initially due to run between 9am and 1pm, Doctor Rob and the ladies continued on until 7pm (Monday) evening and only stopped when there were no more people in the line," police posted on social media.
"Despite some people waiting in line for over five hours, the behaviour of all was exemplary throughout the day. I can't say they will go all day (today) but they will be opened again from 9am in Butterworth Lane, Taree.
"Please be respectful of both health workers and those in line with you. Well done everyone. We caught up with some of the Team just after 7pm tonight, it was a long day for all."
And judging from the comments on social media, the Taree Health Hub team's efforts were much appreciated.
"Thank you so much for opening yesterday," Suzie McEnallay posted. "I was in the line for 5.5 hours. It was a massive day for you all but we much appreciated it."
Tina Gogerly: "Thank you for everything you do! We waited for 6 hours today in the rain but totally understood the sacrifice you're all making just being there. Hopefully tomorrow will be easier."
Heather Unicomb: "A grateful THANKS to our health workers, pathologists, traffic controllers & data processors. After experiencing COVID testing at multiple sites during the last week, I am so appreciative of each of these people and the kind, gracious way they have simply served the community, in not only difficult circumstances, but a time which is usually spent relaxing with their family."
Shane Devitt: "Thanks so much. I have never seen such a line up but without you people we would be stuffed. I thank everyone that worked you doing a service for the community."
The drive-through testing clinic in the former drive-in theatre complex in Bushland Drive, set up in November, is closed this week.
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Toni Bell
Manning Great Lakes editor covering mastheads Manning River Times, Great Lakes Advocate, Gloucester Advocate, Wingham Chronicle and the Manning Great Lakes Extra. A journalist for 40 plus years.
Manning Great Lakes editor covering mastheads Manning River Times, Great Lakes Advocate, Gloucester Advocate, Wingham Chronicle and the Manning Great Lakes Extra. A journalist for 40 plus years.
