Tailem Bend testing station overwhelmed by OTR exposure site, interstate travellers

230 people currently isolating as a result of the three exposure sites with tougher restrictions on the way.

Kurt Miegel

Jul 15, 2021 — 3 min read

This story will be updated as new information comes to hand. Last updated 3.37PM July 15.

The number of people now in isolation as a result of the three Tailem Bend exposure sites has grown to 230.

SA Health confirmed this afternoon that all eight workers from the OTR service station at The Bend Motorsport Park have returned negative results meaning that no positive cases have yet been recorded as a result of these exposure sites in Tailem Bend.

There was 25 check-ins recorded at the OTR during the listed time period with CCTV footage and credit card transactions being used once again to identify any additional visitors to the service station.

270 tests were recorded at the Tailem Bend testing station - the most recent figures available from SA Health - with that stat expected to grow significantly for Wednesday and today.

Tailem Bend yesterday contributed to 7974 tests being conducted across the state, with the opening hours of the Tailem Bend testing station being extended for the next two days until 8.30pm.

Precautionary restrictions not dissimilar to those that were enforced a fortnight ago have been brought back in for South Australia effective midnight tonight including 50% density requirements indoors, masks in high risk settings such as age care, private gatherings capped at 150, and a ban on dancing and singing.

Additionally tougher border restrictions have been enforced, particularly to Victoria and South East Queensland.

SA Health also confirmed that the confusion on initially ruling out Tailem Bend as a third exposure site before announcing that it was in fact the OTR site was due to the location being outside of the built up township.

1.01pm Update

Tailem Bend locals potentially affected by the latest Covid exposure site are being told they may need to wait in excess of two and a half hours to receive a test as of 12pm today.

With the new restrictions coming into affect as of midnight last night, lines were backed up with a large amount of trucks and travellers with caravans joining local residents in waiting for a test.

According to a person on site helping to direct the lines of traffic, people had been queuing in theirs cars since before the testing site opened at 9am.

“It’s causing havoc for the Caltex here, the poor truckies are forced to park both sides of the highway,” she told Murray Bridge News.

Testing at the Tailem Bend Station will be open until 8pm both tonight and tomorrow, with SA Health saying that these already extended hours may be increased to support demand.

The OTR service station at The Bend Motorsport Park is currently closed with staff advising that they are waiting to hear from SA Health.

The OTR located at The Bend was closed this morning and with staff directing customers to other service stations. Photo: Kurt Miegel

The Coolabah Café also remains closed however the Shell service station has resumed usual business operations.

Earlier today SA Health Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr Emily Kirkpatrick confirmed that seven of the eight staff from the OTR service station had returned negative results.

She urged anyone at the site between 7.20am and 8.15am on Friday July 9 to contact SA Health.

A press conference from SA Health is expected at 2pm today.

You can see all the information provided by Murray Bridge News both yesterday and on Tuesday here.

Where can I get tested?

Tailem Bend (Adjacent to Caltex Service Station) - no appointment required, open 9 - 5 every day (open until 8.30pm on July 15 and 16)
- People needing day 1, day 5 and day 13 testing must use the Tailem Bend site
Murray Bridge Respiratory Clinic - appointment required, call 8539 3292 or book online