Mildura clinic braces for COVID-19 testing increase

TESTING for COVID-19 remains consistent in Sunraysia.

Sunraysia Community Health Services (SCHS) clinic program manager Shelley Faulks said the clinic was still receiving a number of inquiries through its hotline each day and were testing people with cold and respiratory-type symptoms.

The Commonwealth-funded clinic opened on April 6 and averages 16 to 18 appointments per day.

But this number could be set to increase.

Premier Daniel Andrews this week said he wanted 100,000 Victorians tested for COVID-19 in the coming two weeks.

That will provide Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton with more data to inform his decisions about whether to lift some restrictions when Victoria’s state of emergency is reviewed on May 11.

Ms Faulks said SCHS was working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to determine what its role would be.

“We’re hoping to have some direction and be able to support that as soon as possible,” she said.

“Sunraysia Community Health Services is very keen to be able to support that initiative.”

The clinic has not recorded new cases of COVID-19 in more than three weeks.

Ms Faulks said that was a great result but it was important not to become complacent.

“It’s really just reinforcing the message that physical distancing is working,” she said.

The plan to test 100,000 Victorians involves extending the testing criteria again.

People experiencing mild symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat will be encourage to take the test.

Ms Faulks said SCHS was well supplied with testing kits to meet an increase in demand.

“We’re working very close with our pathology providers and they are well supplied for testing kits and swabs,” she said.

People are urged to call the SCHS COVID-19 hotline on 5021 7653 if they experience symptoms.

The hotline operates from Monday to Friday 9am-noon and 1pm-4pm.

COVID-19 symptoms

– Fever

– Breathing difficulties or breathlessness

– Cough

– Sore throat

– Fatigue or tiredness