DISTRESSED Ballarat residents are being left in limbo for COVID-19 test results in the wake of the state government's screening blitz the past fortnight.
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The Courier has heard from multiple residents uncertain of whether they were positive for the virus and forced to remain isolating for about a week as they await results.
Some have been told by Ballarat Health Services this might take until the week's end for clarity.
This comes after Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had his negative result returned less than 24 hours after being tested on Tuesday.
The Courier has contacted the Victorian health department and BHS for clarification on testing delays.
This comes after BHS, in partnership with City of Ballarat and UFS, tested more than 5200 people the past fortnight at three clinics and mobile workplace test sites.
About 920 Ballarat people presented for the free swab test last Wednesday alone, including 250 people without any symptoms at the Morshead Park soccer stadium.
The Courier understands that until last week's screenings, most test results were back within 24 hours.
Ballarat recorded it's first new coronavirus case in six weeks on May 13 but the potential for community transmission has remained a concern, particularly with the state starting to ease lockdown restrictions from Wednesday.
BHS opened up asymptomatic testing for six days last week as part of the blitz in a bid to better understand possible community transmission in the community.
People who have COVID-19 symptoms, which include a runny nose and sore throat, have also been caught out in the test result lags.
Testing has become focused solely in the UFS-led clinic at Lucas Community Centre from Monday. This is by appointments only and anyone who feels cold or flu-like symptoms is urged to get a test.
The Morshead Park pop-up site and the Sebastopol fever clinic have closed. BHS has relocated resources, including staff, to support the UFS test site as it expands its bookings.
A spokesperson for the Victorian government told The Courier in late March the government had been working to expand its coronavirus testing to nine public laboratories and at least three major private providers.
The Courier has contacted the Department of Health and Human Services for comment.
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