A potential coronavirus case at Ballarat Base Hospital may have been a "weak positive", and is under investigation.
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Ballarat Health Services confirmed on Wednesday evening a patient presented to the hospital on Tuesday night, who was a returned traveller that had stayed in hotel quarantine interstate.
As of Wednesday evening, their COVID test was "under investigation" - a spokesperson said the initial test was a "weak positive", and due process is being followed to check the result.
"At this stage, further testing looks like it will be negative however we are following due processes that will continue to test it," they said in a statement.
"Speculation in any form is not helpful or informative at this time.
"It is possible that this person had the disease previously but are no longer contagious.
"Out of an abundance of caution we treat every suspected case as if it were positive, and undertake contact tracing accordingly."
It's understood the case is not being counted among Victoria's official positive case numbers, which rose to 15 on Wednesday.
No lockdowns or restrictions in regional areas have been announced yet, though face masks are once again mandatory in metropolitan Melbourne and private gatherings have been limited until June 4.
The Melbourne clusters, and reports about a potential Ballarat case, have sparked a rush on testing - as of Wednesday evening, online bookings for testing at the Errard Street clinic are completely full until Friday afternoon.
The potential Ballarat case was first confirmed by BHS about 2.15pm.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the individual and their close contacts are isolating, including any staff and patients who are required to do so," a media statement read. "The Grampians Public Health Unit are undertaking contact tracing for this case. This person is being monitored in their home in the community.
"Ballarat Health Services staff acted promptly and followed standard precautions with regards to the use of personal protective equipment and other processes relating to suspected COVID cases.
"Ballarat Health Services has planned and prepared for situations like this, and this has not impacted our day-to-day operations across the Base Hospital or for those who have emergency needs."
In a press conference on Wednesday morning, acting Premier James Merlino said "the next 24 hours are critical", and the state government held concerns regarding the "number and kind of exposure sites" in Melbourne - the full list of exposure sites is available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.
All supports for people who need to self-isolate at home are still available, he added.
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Anyone with the mildest symptoms are urged to get tested as soon as possible - the site at Errard Street North can be booked online, or phone 4311 1571.
A drive-through testing service is available at the old Atlantic Hotel on Skipton Street in Redan, with no appointment necessary.
The BHS statement noted anyone showing symptoms must self-isolate until they receive their test results, and until their symptoms resolve.
Details on how to get a vaccine in Ballarat are also available online.
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