UP to 120 extra Ballarat residents a day will be able to tested for COVID-19 after the opening of a new clinic in Little Bridge Street.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes as it is confirmed that eight locals are currently battling coronavirus, including one resident at Bill Crawford Lodge in Dana Street, the same aged care facility where a staff member tested positive on Friday.
On Sunday, Ballarat Health Services confirmed the resident had been in isolation since presenting "flu-like symptoms".
"Staff and visitors who are identified as being a close contact of these positive cases have been contacted and immediately tested and will be followed up over the next 14 days," BHS said.
READ MORE: Lucas testing clinic to expand
On Saturday, A new testing site, administered by Ballarat Community Health with support of from Ballarat Health Services, opened for symptomatic "appointment only" bookings.
Ballarat Community Health chief executive Sean Duffy said 25 people were tested on Saturday and he anticipated a similar number would be tested on Sunday.
"We expect to open from 9am-4pm from Monday to Friday, but the hours will be adjusted to make sure we can manage the demand," Mr Duffy said.
The opening of the centre will take pressure off the UFS-administered testing site at Lucas, which will today expand its opening hours from 8am to 10pm for bookings and for essential workers.
UFS chief executive Lynne McLennan said she hoped the new clinic would enable people to be tested within 24 hours of booking.
"The extra clinic should enable us to maintain testing rates over the coming winter months," Ms McLennan said.
Mr Duffy said the Little Bridge Street site had been chosen specifically for its central position for residents living in the east and central parts of the city who might find it difficult to go to Lucas.
He said the ease of car parking and public transport was also a factor, but he cautioned symptomatic residents to not use public transport if they could avoid it, and if they couldn't avoid public transport, they must wear a mask at all times.
"It is important to know, and especially given it's prominent position, that this is not a walk up site, you need a booking," Mr Duffy said.
IN OTHER NEWS
"It's going to be a flexible model we will adapt as we need to. If people have got symptoms, grab a mask and put it on, even though it is not mandatory at the moment in Ballarat.
"At capacity we will have five nurses to do testing at capacity."
Ms McLennan said riding out the second wave was fluid, which is why testing hours had been ramped up.
"Right now it is hard to say what the underlying infection rate is in Ballarat," she said.
"What we do have is an understanding that the majority of cases locally are related to a Melbourne contact.
"All we can say is, if you've got any symptoms, go get tested. The best way to keep it that way is to get tested and self isolate. Right now we're seeing a turnaround of two to three days, so it isn't a huge ask to isolate once you've been tested."
The state government announced on Sunday that all people in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a mask in public from midnight Wednesday night.
Both Ms McLennan and Mr Duffy said Ballarat residents who have travelled to Melbourne for any reason including work should do the same if out in public in Ballarat.
People are encouraged to book a test by calling 1800 054 172.
Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms can also book a test at Lucas. Bookings can be made online ufs.com.au/test or by phoning 4311 1571.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.
