A drive-through coronavirus testing clinic has opened in Mount Barker – the first of three regional COVID-19 specific clinics to open this month.

It comes as the Hills region reports an influx of suspected cases, with up to 15 patients reporting at Mount Barker hospital last week.

The clinic will operate seven days a week and will be staffed by two trained nurses between the hours of nine to five.

Premier Steven Marshall who attended this morning official opening said the establishment of regional clinics formed part of the State Government’s plan to ensure all parts of South Australia were prepared for the impact of the coronavirus.

media_camera A paramedic wears protective clothing while transporting a patient at the Mount Barker Hospital in Adelaide this morning. Picture: AAP/Kelly Barnes

“In addition to Mount Barker clinic, drive-through COVID-19 testing clinics in both Whyalla and Port Augusta are expected to be operational in the coming days,” he said.

“This will ease the pressure on emergency departments and local GPs.

“These services are specifically designed for people who have recently returned from overseas travel or been in close contact with a confirmed coronavirus case.”

The Adelaide Hill recorded its first confirmed coronavirus case earlier this month when a 24-year-old Flight Centre from Mount Barker, reported to the RAH in a stable condition.

It takes the current total of reported cases in SA to 30.

media_camera South Australian Premier Steven Marshall visits the newly opened COVID-19 Clinic at the Mount Barker Hospital in Adelaide. Picture: AAP/Kelly Barnes

Mount Barker Hospital’s acting director of nursing and midwifery, Merridy Chester, said staff were well prepared for the challenge.

“We know there are a growing number of people requiring testing for coronavirus in Mount Barker and the establishment of this clinic will help to ease the pressure on our emergency department and deliver best practice infection control measures,” she said.

“Recent presentation over the last week has been between 10 and 15 patients, so this clinic will mean we can assess, test and refer suspected, probable or confirmed cases of coronavirus on for isolation.”