From Monday 11 May, only those experiencing respiratory symptoms will be tested for COVID-19 at our screening clinic. Symptoms include; fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, cough and a runny nose.
Bendigo Health has tested over 4300 people for Coronavirus during the pandemic, with more than half of those tests occurring during Victoria’s testing blitz.
Since April 30, Bendigo Health has conducted over 2600 tests, approximately 800 of which were healthcare workers.
Bendigo Health chief executive officer Peter Faulkner thanked the community for helping the health service better understand the transmission of the virus in our community.
“We’re really pleased people have put their hands up to be tested, particularly those in high-risk areas and workers who have high contact with the general population,” he said.
“The tests results show community transmission appears to be very low and these results will help inform the State Government’s decision when reviewing lockdown restrictions.”
Mr Faulkner also praised the adaptability and commitment of staff during challenging times.
“To go from averaging 60 tests per day to close to 200 is testament to the hard work of our staff,” he said.
Greater Bendigo’s nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 have all recovered from the disease.
From Monday, testing will revert to only those with respiratory symptoms, which include; fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, cough and a runny nose.
The community can get tested for Coronavirus at Bendigo Health’s Screening Clinic on Stewart Street or the Bendigo Respiratory Clinic in Spring Gully.
Mr Faulkner encouraged the community to download the COVIDSAFE app on their mobile device and to continue to practice social distancing.
In late April, Premier Daniel Andrews committed to testing a further 100,000 people by May 11.
By Sunday morning, Victoria had done 209,905 tests, approximately 150,000 of which were conducted during the blitz.