QUEENSLAND'S pharmacy-based COVID-19 testing trial is set to progress with five pharmacies across the state set to take part, despite opposition from within the profession.
The proposed pilot has been described as "half-baked" and "crazy" by union group, Professional Pharmacists Australia, while the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has previously voiced concerns over "the very public promotion of the trial", which it said was "reckless and sent a very dangerous message that could lead to people potentially with COVID-19 wandering into a pharmacy to get tested" (PD 18 Aug 2020).
The Courier-Mail reported that Queensland Health confirmed the plan to continue with the trial on Fri, with patients who present at the five participating stores with COVID-like symptoms to be offered a test on the spot.
The pharmacies - based in the Townsville, Cairns, West Moreton, and Metro North health regions - will not be advertised.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland President, Professor Chris Perry, warned the pilot could put pharmacy employees, patients and the general public at risk of contracting the virus.
"We don't want people who believe they may have COVID-19 wandering through shopping centres or into a pharmacy to be tested," he said.
"This creates unrealistic contact tracing measures and negative business impacts for pharmacies and co-located shops if a positive case is recorded."
A Queensland Health spokesperson told The Courier-Mail that it was "committed to securing the safety of pharmacies, pharmacy staff and the community while ensuring the need for increased surveillance of COVID-19 is met".
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