There was a sudden rush on Mount Gambier’s COVID-19 testing station at the local showgrounds on the weekend, following changes to the state’s travel restrictions.

Limestone Coast Local Health Network chief executive officer Ngaire Buchanan said 222 people were tested at the clinic on Friday, while another 250 presented for testing over the weekend.

The wait time stretched to 2.5 hours for some people on Friday. “While we have seen an increase in demand for people getting tested and longer wait times compared to previous weeks, this is a good sign the community is following health advice and getting tested to help stop the spread,” Ms Buchanan said.

“The higher numbers of testing likely represent interstate travellers arriving in South Australia and requiring testing on day 1, 5 and 12 according to cross border directions.

“We would like to thank members of the community for their patience and cooperation during this period and encourage anyone with symptoms to get tested on the day symptoms appear.”