After three cases were recorded in Shepparton on Tuesday, people who had visited high-risk locations listed by the Department of Health and Human Services were told to get tested, even if they didn’t have symptoms.
ERH swabbed 151 people on Wednesday, compared to 33 on Tuesday, including a large number of people from the Shepparton area and surrounding district.
“There have been people from Shepparton and Echuca who have visited some of the spots listed by DHHS so they are doing the right thing by getting tested and we advise them to go straight home and self-isolate,” emergency department nurse unit manager Craig Frew said.
“There were many phone calls (on Wednesday and Thursday) from Shepparton residents asking if they could get a swab at our clinic which we are accommodating.
“The long lines and delays in being able to obtain a swab in Shepparton have been the main reasons people are driving over here for testing.”
Mr Frew said the increased testing numbers would have an impact on the turnaround time for results being available.
“We have increased our resources to help meet the demand, however people presenting should be aware there may still be delays and they may be asked to wait outside or in their vehicle,” he said.
Information regarding the high-risk locations is available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks
Murrumbidgee Local Health District is also stepping up testing in the border region in response to the Shepparton outbreak.
A COVID-19 testing clinic will be at the Moama Sporting Complex on the corner of Martin and Echuca streets, on Friday, October 16, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm and on Saturday from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
You do not need an appointment, you can just drop in on the day.
If you get tested you will be asked to self-isolated until your test result comes back.
More local news
C4EM joins calls to open up regional Victoria
Carri has carried her students through the COVID-19 pandemic
Port management high on agenda for Echuca Moama Alliance
18°C