UPDATE, 5PM
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A pop-up COVID-19 testing site is set to open at Ballarat Health Services public dental clinic in Sebastopol in a bid to step up screening for the virus across the region.
BHS confirmed late Thursday afternoon the health services' Rapid Response Testing Team would be deployed at the dental clinic in "coming days".
This comes after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced earlier in the afternoon an expansion in COVID-19 screening for Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo with a new testing site in each city.
The pop-up clinic will be for people with symptoms and those who have been advised by health department contact tracers to get tested.
Tests will be by appointment only with booking opening online on Friday at: bhs.org.au/covid-19
EARLIER
An expanded COVID-19 testing push will start in Ballarat from tomorrow as new cases grow across the city.
Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement during his noon press conference.
"We have seen significant growth in Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo," he said.
"It's important we keep case numbers low".
However, even though Ballarat has had the highest growth rate out of the three major cities, acting deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng acknowledged Ballarat cases "were starting to come under control".
"In Ballarat, there's a smaller number of cases - 23 over the past two weeks - but with three unrelated outbreaks with very small numbers between them," he said at the press conference.
"The sense is this is starting to come under control but again we encourage anyone from the community who is unwell in Ballarat to be tested."
Testing will continue at two locations - at the Lucas Community Hub and the Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in Little Bridge Street - but hours and staff will increase.
It was announced in the press conference a new testing site would be opened in Ballarat, but further clarification indicates new clinics are only opening in Geelong and Bendigo - it is just further testing in Ballarat.
"As far as some of those worrying trends in those three large regional cities, this testing push over the coming days and weeks will be a really important way in which we can be confident that we're finding all of the virus that's there, or at least as much of it as we can," Mr Andrews said.
He again urged anyone with flu or cold symptoms - even minor - should "come forward and get tested".
Furthermore, a state government press release said: "As we know, in every regional community across the state, all it takes is one positive case.
"It's why, from tomorrow, we'll begin a massive regional testing effort to ensure we're uncovering every single case we can - while asking every regional Victorian to remain vigilant and keep safe.
"Regional testing capacity will be expanded with additional staff across a number of sites across Greater Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo."
Ballarat, under stage three restrictions, has recorded eight new cases in the past two days, with latest figures to be released this afternoon.
As of Wednesday there were 22 active cases in the city.
There are currently 179 active cases in Greater Geelong and 53 in Greater Bendigo.
Meanwhile, the state has recorded its slowest day of COVID-19 growth in almost four weeks, with 278 new cases confirmed. A further eight deaths were confirmed.
WHERE TO TAKE A COVID-19 TEST IN BALLARAT
Everyone who feels even the slightest cold or flu-like symptom must assume they have the virus until a test result proves otherwise. Anybody with symptoms or awaiting a result should self-isolate at home.
- 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.
- Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in the CBD. People are encouraged to book a test by calling 1800 054 172.
AFFECTED BY THIS STORY?
Support is available. You are never alone.
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
- Mensline: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
- Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
- Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
- headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
- Soldier On: 1300 620 380
- Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people)
- Family violence: 1800 RESPECTVeterans support: If you or someone you know needs support call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 - 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit www.openarms.gov.au
- For Aboriginal crisis support: Yarning SafeNStrong, 1800 959 563 (noon to 10pm)
The Courier has removed the paywall from our stories relating to health warnings and safety of the community in regards to the coronavirus. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
The Courier has removed the paywall from our stories relating to health warnings and safety of the community in regards to the coronavirus. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.