Colac Area Health will open its COVID-19 testing clinic this weekend but is urging residents wanting a test to ring ahead.
The hospital’s chief Fiona Brew told media this afternoon that the Connor Street facility would be open from 9am to 5pm this Saturday and Sunday in response to an anticipated increase in demand for tests, after a meat contracting inspector who worked in Colac returned a positive test for the virus.
But she asked people contacting the facility to remain patient and show respect to staff.
“We haven’t previously been running that over the weekend, we just haven’t needed to since March and April, but we now feel that it will need to be open this weekend,” Ms Brew said.
“I am aware that about two weeks ago we were inundated because of what was happening in Melbourne and we did increase our resources.
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Where To Buy“I understand that people will be nervous in the community with this news, but I ask that you please be patient and work with us.
“If you have the mildest symptoms we’re saying please come and be tested, that’s the Premier’s message at the moment, and that’s the message of the Chief Medical Officer of Victoria.”
Ms Brew also said health staff would attend the Colac workplace to test its employees and that the hospital was working with regional health authorities including Barwon Health to notify the worker’s close contacts.
It is also contacting relatives of aged care residents, advising them of changes to visiting times.
If you wish to be tested please call the Colac clinic on 5232 5402. There are also pop up testing clinics in Lorne -5289 4300 and Apollo Bay-5237 8500.