CORONAVIRUS screening at a pop-up clinic in Sebastopol has closed as the city's health organisations adjust to meet testing demand for the region.
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Ballarat Health Services shut the pop-up, based at its public dental site, on Friday and will move to support the Ballarat Community Health-led clinic in Little Bridge Street.
The Courier last week reported a dramatic drop in the city's main testing hub at Lucas with the UFS-led clinic averaging 80 people daily compared to 250 to 300 people daily a month ago.
The Sebastopol site opened last month in a state government response to regional outbreaks, with Ballarat recording the fastest average transmission in regional Victoria.
Ballarat reached zero active COVID-19 cases this week but BHS chief Dale Fraser said testing for any symptoms was still vital to best contain outbreaks.
Mr Fraser maintained no symptoms should be dismissed, particularly with a change in seasons.
Making assumptions about your symptoms could lead to devastating community transmission if you do in fact have COVID-19.
- Dale Fraser, Ballarat Health Services chief executive officer
"Many in our community will see the effects of hay fever throughout springtime, however these symptoms can also be signs of COVID-19," Mr Fraser said. "It's critical that anyone with even the slightest of symptoms book in for a test, and self-isolate at home until you receive your result.
"Making assumptions about your symptoms could lead to devastating community transmission if you do in fact have COVID-19."
BHS staff with symptoms will also now be referred to the Little Bridge Street clinic, based in the senior citizens club
BHS' Rapid Response Testing Team, which was based at Sebastopol, will remain on standby in Ballarat, and continues to support COVID-19 testing in the region.
The RRTT has capacity to respond to testing requirements across the Grampians region within a six-hour window if directed by Department of Health and Human Services.
BHS, Ballarat Community Health and UFS will continue to work together to adjust resources to meet the region's testing demand.
UFS has a contract to keep testing at Lucas until the month's end.
To book a test at Little Bridge Street, phone 1800 054 172; or Lucas, 4311 1571. Tests are same-day with results averaging 24 hours.
BHS staff can call 5320 8889 to book a test.
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