Ballarat has not had a new active COVID-19 case since May 17, excepting one case that was later revised, but Ballarat Health Services acute operations director Ben Kelly confirmed testing numbers for the deadly virus remain high.

Victoria has recorded 18 new cases on Thursday, totalling 39 new cases the past two days. Six of the new cases on Thursday were returned overseas travellers while eight were found in community testing.

Mr Kelly said now was not the time to get complacent as restrictions eased, no matter how tedious regulations might seem.

BHS Base Hospital is into its annual busy period, juggling influenza cases and monitoring for potential COVID-19 is adding to the strain.

Mr Kelly said while the city's confirmed flu cases was not at all high - likely due to increased hygiene measures across the community - there were still a lot of people experiencing cold symptoms that needed testing.

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He said testing numbers remains significantly high at the UFS-led Lucas site and internally, for BHS staff and emergency services personnel.

The wait for test results is back to an average 24-hour turnaround after almost fortnight-long lags in the wake of May's statewide testing blitz.

But this is still having an impact on hospital operations, particularly when monitoring potential cases.

"Those 24 hours remain quite a juggle for us," Mr Kelly said. "It's the same in hospitals across the state....Everyone is finding it a real juggle."

BHS remains working towards bringing elective surgeries back on target by the end of July. Most day procedures were back and Mr Kelly said teams were continuing to build up from there.

But this all depended on what happened next with coronavirus in the community.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is likely to ease the state's restrictions further next week, ahead of the school holidays.

The state's Health Minister Jenny Mikakos on Thursday morning said the jump in Victoria cases clearly showed community transmission for COVID-19 and urged people to continue taking restrictions seriously.

"Many of these cases are people with very, very mild symptoms, but they've done the right thing and gone and been tested and that is how we will manage the spread of the virus," Ms Mikakos said.

Mr Kelly also reiterated it was the right thing to do in getting tested for even the mildest cold-like symptoms. This includes: fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and shortness of breath.

Anyone with symptoms can be tested for free at the Lucas COVID-19 clinic at the Lucas Community Hub. This is by appointment only, online or by calling 43 11 1571, with weekend and evening appointments available.

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