Travellers who claim they were not able to take their pre-booked PCR tests at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney airports over the holiday period are launching a class action against the private pathology company that sent their trips into chaos.
Disappointed travellers are launching a class action against Histopath Diagnostic Services after they claim to have been turned away from $120 pre-booked COVID-19 PCR test appointments at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney airports over the busy Christmas travel period.
The private pathology company promises swab tests within a 90-minute turnaround, leaving travellers with no alternative options but to miss their travel arrangements if this timeframe is missed.
Many travellers missed holiday celebrations, holiday time and family reunions and are now seeking compensation for the money they lost on booking fees, airfares and accommodation.
Michel Margalit from the law firm told Sunrise “there could be hundreds, if not thousands” of people impacted.
“One of our lawyers will speak with you no obligation for free and we’ll take down your details and assist you to see some sort of justice,” Ms Margalit said.
Following the Christmas travel chaos, the Northern Territory has axed PCR testing requirements and will now be giving out rapid antigen tests to travellers on arrival to the territory so they can self-test and report their results within two hours.
“If you are in a queue down south trying to get a PCR test, leave and we will sort it out when you get here,” Chief Minister Michael Gunner told reporters on Tuesday.
There will be a discussion at the national cabinet meeting today about giving out rapid antigen tests, to ease pressure on PCR testing centres, which continue to be overrun and even closed in some states.
