A tedious wait is ahead for people needing a COVID-19 test this afternoon with traffic banked up on Wellington Street.

It comes after the Public Health Hotline was inundated with calls this morning due to the Queensland COVID-19 outbreak.

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Tasmania Police is directing traffic, which has caused congestion from the Wellington Street COVID-19 testing drive-through down to Pipeworks Road and onto Doors of Hope Church.

The Examiner has been told by some people in the line up that they have been waiting up to three hours already.

It appeared some drivers have been told to go home by police officers because congestion backed up as far as West Launceston. However, the left lane of Pipeworks Road is now being used for those waiting for a test.

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People calling into the Public Health Hotline should anticipate long waits due to significant demand placed upon it caused by Queensland's coronavirus outbreak.

Hotline caller have taken to social media to complain about multiple failed attempts to get through to the hotline or long waits for their call to be taken.

Tasmania's Public Health Service declared five council areas in greater Brisbane high-risk on Monday.

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These areas are Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and Redlands.

The Health Department on Tuesday made a statement about the significant demand on the Public Health Hotline.

"We apologise for any delays and urge callers to be patient," it read.

"If people cannot get through immediately, they should keep trying.

"All lines are operational and we are working to add additional capacity as a priority."

The department said testing capacity had been increased across the state with additional staff in place in the North and North-West.

"The Hobart testing clinic is doubling its usual weekday capacity," it said.

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