Almost 90 clinics have now been established across Victoria to test people with cold and flu symptoms for COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia.
The Australian Government is encouraging all Victorians with such symptoms, especially those living in one of the six identified coronavirus hotspots, to be tested at a GP-led Respiratory Clinic (GPRC) or Victorian Government-run fever clinic.
The 27 GPRCs in Victoria, together with 60 fever clinics run by Department of Health and Human Services Victoria, are doing a great job in minimising the spread of coronavirus across the state, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments and making it faster and easier for all Victorians to access free coronavirus testing.
As at 23 June 2020, GPRCs had serviced Victorians from 548 postcodes, covering 97.7 percent of the state geographically. They have assessed more than 43,000 people, and conducted approximately 37,600 tests for coronavirus. GPRCs have conducted 24,576 tests in Victorian coronavirus hotspots alone (65 per cent of all tests conducted in Victoria).
It is more important than ever for us all to work together to slow the spread and get tested if we are experiencing any symptoms. This is particularly the case for residents in areas marked as coronavirus hotspots: Hume, Casey, Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin - or anyone who has visited these areas recently.
Victorians can access free services at their nearest testing clinic, with extended hours in certain areas, walk-through clinics and drive-through clinics making the process of getting tested as accessible as possible.
Together, we can all help slow the spread and stay COVIDSafe by practising good hygiene and physical distancing, following the limits for public gatherings, understanding how to isolate if you need to, and by downloading the COVIDSafe app.
