Premier Daniel Andrews has renewed his call for Ballarat people to get tested for coronavirus.
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In his daily press conference on Monday morning, Mr Andrews highlighted Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong as the biggest areas of concern in regional Victoria.
He said the most effective tool in preventing further spread of COVID-19 in regional areas was for as many people as possible to get tested.
OTHER BALLARAT COVID-19 NEWS
He said Ballarat cases were now at 28 - an increase of on active case from Sunday.
In comparison, Greater Geelong has 155 and Greater Bendigo has 47.
However, both of those cities are seeing numbers continue to fall.
Ballarat's active cases have grown by one case per day over the last four days.
In total, regional Victorian case numbers are at 436, down from 512 last week.
"In those three big regional cities, please come forward and get tested," Mr Andrews said.
"It's a really important way in which we can contribute to the fight against the enemy."
He added that in some cases results were being returned within 24 hours, meaning the extended wait between testing and results had been greatly reduced.
Mr Andrews also said there were unusually low numbers of influenza in society at the moment.
He said given the low spread of flu, it was more likely that people with any symptoms actually had COVID-19.
"Given we have so little flu in Victoria today, because of physical distancing and all the other means that we're taking, if you've got symptoms and even very mild symptoms, there's every chance that you've got this (COVID-19)," he said.
"It becomes even more important in those regional cities.
"Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong please come forward and get tested if you've got any symptoms whatsoever."
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.
- There is now a testing site at the Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in the CBD. People are encouraged to book a test by calling 1800 054 172.
- A testing site has also opened at the BHS public dental site in Sebastopol, phone 5320 8889
- A drive-through swabbing clinic, for symptomatic and asymptomatic people, has opened at the old Atlantic Hotel on Skipton Street in Redan - people will require a referral from their GP or specialist, but will not require an appointment.
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