Ballarat Health Services has advised its drive-through COVID-19 testing site will work to shorter hours due to severe heat forecast for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Testing will run from 7.30am to 1.30pm, Friday and Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-30s each day.

A BHS statement reads staff and patron safety was "front of mind" when considering opening hours in extreme weather conditions.

Victoria's health department had earlier flagged some testing centres, particularly those in tents, would be closed or work modified hours.

Temperatures inside tents can reach 10 degrees higher and staff must don full personal protective equipment.

BHS added waiting in hot cars was also not safe for patrons.

This comes amid prolonged wait times statewide for tests with fast-rising COVID-19 case numbers.

BHS urges anyone attending the drive-through site to be prepared with a full tank of fuel, snacks, plenty of water and entertainment.

Testing hours at the Creswick Road site are expected to return to normal, 9am-6pm, from Sunday but people are urged to check the BHS website for changing conditions.

UFS is expected to operate its testing site as usual but has been at capacity and by appointment only.

The 4Cyte Pathology testing site in Redan remains closed for the foreseeable future.

UPDATED: Thursday, December 30 at 9.45AM

The 4Cyte Pathology testing site in Skipton Street is closed on Thursday morning.

Its website indicates it will be closed up until Sunday January 2 at least.

A number of people had been lining up on Thursday morning expecting an 8am opening.

A sign facing Skipton Street indicated the facility was closed, despite the entry point being off Bell Street.

The Courier has attempted to contact 4Cyte Pathology without success across the course of the week.

In addition, the UFS testing site in Dana Street has turned away those lining up for a walk-in COVID-19 test on Thursday morning.

Those queuing were handed instructions outlined on paper and were asked to make an appointment online or over the phone.

The Creswick Road testing site remains open.

UPDATED: Monday, December 27 at 9.45AM

Where to get a COVID-19 test or vaccination in Ballarat in the holiday period, December 24 to January 3:

Ballarat Health Services drive-through on Creswick Road:

UFS COVID-19 clinic on the corner of Dana and Doveton streets:

4CYTE Pathology drive-through in Skipton Street Redan:

VACCINATIONS

Ballarat Health Services at The Mercure:

UFS COVID-19 clinic on the corner of Dana and Doveton streets:

IN OTHER NEWS