SUNRAYSIA residents experiencing mild cold and flu-like symptoms are urged to get tested for COVID-19 at a new drive-through pop-up clinic.
The new weekend pop-up clinics will be set up behind Target Mildura by Sunraysia Community Health Services (SCHS).
SCHS clinic programs manager Shelley Faulks said the pop-up clinics would be held on Saturday and Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm, and repeated on June 20 and 21.
Ms Faulks said SCHS had been advised by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to start the pop-up clinics this weekend in preparation for June 21, when the State Government will decide whether to lift further restrictions.
“I think particularly with the lifting of restrictions and the increased activity that’s going on in our community, it’s so important now that we do keep testing anybody with symptoms so we can look for community transmission and stop any spread quickly if the virus does break out,” Ms Faulks said.
A community drive-through pop-up clinic was held behind Target Mildura last month and proved popular.
“We saw a lot of people come through so we’re hoping for the same response,” Ms Faulks said.
“This time we’re looking for just people with flu-like symptoms, so any coughs, colds, sore throats, runny noses, loss of sense of smell or shortness of breath.”
Ms Faulks said people should not be deterred from taking the test.
“It is a little bit uncomfortable but it’s a very quick test and you’ll be on your way,” she said.
For those not experiencing any symptoms of the virus it is still advised that they keep 1.5 metres away from others and practise good hygiene.
People who cannot make it to the drive-through pop-up clinic and who are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms should call 5021 7653 and book an appointment for a test at the SCHS Australian Government-funded clinic.
COVID-19 symptoms:
– Fever
– Chills or sweats
– Cough
– Sore throat
– Shortness of breath
– Runny nose
– Loss of smell
