Coronavirus testing is ramping up across the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire regions, with testing now available at Kyneton District Health, and a testing location soon to be established at Daylesford Community Health Centre.
This follows an announcement from the Victorian Government of a major testing blitz across the state to better understand how the virus is spreading in the community and set us up for the potential easing of restrictions.
Kyneton District Health’s new Respiratory Assessment Clinic is now open and will allow the hospital to safely assess patients who present with risk factors or concerns about the Coronavirus.
Central Highlands Rural Health CEO Maree Cuddihy said the organisation was pleased to support the state government’s focus on the testing blitz.
“The community have really pulled together to make these clinics happen – with local support in time and materials. We are grateful to all who have contributed,” she said.
The clinic will initially operate Monday to Friday between 1pm and 3.30pm, evolving with the needs of the community. Patients concerned about symptoms are encouraged to call ahead on 5422 9900.
Central Highlands Rural Health are also on track to open a testing centre at Daylesford’s Community Health Centre by the end of May – with works currently taking place to re-purpose part of the centre to make it fit for COVID-19 testing.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas encouraged people to use the testing centres if they felt they had symptoms.
“These local testing centres make it easy as possible for people across the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire region to be tested,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter how mild your symptoms are, if you have fever, breathing difficulties, or a scratchy throat, I encourage you to get tested.”
Common symptoms of coronavirus are fever, breathing difficulties, breathlessness, cough, sore throat, fatigue or tiredness. Anyone who has any symptoms, no matter how mild, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, is encouraged to get a test.
Certain industries that are still operating at full capacity will be targeted for testing, including healthcare and aged care workers, construction workers, supermarket workers and agricultural workers.
Major employers and unions will be supported to actively promote testing to all staff and nurses will provide outreach support and advice around symptoms and help staff to access testing.
In addition, workers without symptoms in hospitals and other facilities with vulnerable residents will also be asked to voluntarily participate in sample testing as part of new research in line with the prerequisites set out by the National Cabinet.
