Man charged over alleged hit-run that injured Covid testing worker

A man was driving a stolen car erratically before crashing into a Covid testing worker in Melbourne and then fleeing, police allege.

Emergency crews were called to a testing site on the corner of Easey and Hoddle streets, Collingwood, just before 9.30am on Tuesday.

Police allege the stolen car hit a testing clinic worker who was monitoring the line at the site and drove away from the scene.

Police arrested the driver in Leicester St in Carlton a short time later.

A Tarneit man in his 50s was taken to hospital where he remains with non-life-threatening injuries.

A nearby nurse provided first aid to him until an ambulance arrived.

The man was helping people queue for a Covid test at the cohealth community health centre when he was allegedly hit, cohealth said.

The alleged driver, 32, of no fixed address, has been charged with theft of motor vehicle, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, intentionally cause injury, drive in manner dangerous, fail to render assistance after an accident, possess a drug of dependence and other drug related offences.

He has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 15.

Cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz, said the event was “distressing” for staff.

“Our thoughts are with the co-worker and their family,” she said.

“The cohealth community is strong and resilient, and we are rallying together through this difficult incident.”

Counselling and support is being provided to staff, with the testing clinic to stay closed until Thursday. All other health services at the Collingwood clinic will remain open.