Two new active COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - the first near Ballarat after almost two months without an infection.
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The Courier understands both infected persons live in the region but work in Melbourne where they each contracted the virus from known sources.
Both are believed to have been tested in Ballarat and recorded as having addresses in Golden Plains Shire - this brings that local government area's total to four cases, with three active.
Both cases were notified on Monday and counted in the latest Victorian health department update released on Tuesday.
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While Melbourne and Mitchell Shire are in lockdown, people are still able to commute between these areas and the rest of regional Victoria for work and study.
It was perhaps always just a question of time before the recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases eventually reached the region.
There have been cases over the past several days registered in Bendigo, Geelong and Warrnambool.
The Courier is seeking to confirm whether the individuals involved in the recent positive test are in hospital or self-isolating.
Medical professionals have also expressed strong concerns about the amount of testing available in the city.
There is currently only one testing facility available in Lucas. Other sites, including at Morshead Park and Sebastopol, were closed down.
While the operation of the facility at UFS is running smoothly, there are now significant waiting times - up to three days - for an appointment.
On Tuesday, Premier Daniel Andrews said he would bolster testing in regional areas.
Later, UFS announced that it would be expanding its testing centre in Lucas with one extra consulting room.
There has also been a two or three-day wait for results to come back, which means somebody infected with the virus could be contagious for five days without confirmation of a positive case.
- If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, make an appointment either online or by phone (4311 1571) to take a test at Lucas Community Hub. Tests are by appointment only.
For more information on COVID-19, visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
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