A temporary Commonwealth funded COVID-19 respiratory clinic opened in Ocean Grove today as part of the Morrison Government’s efforts to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The Bellarine Respiratory Clinic, which has been established by Epichealth, is part of the Morrison Government’s $2.4 billion health package to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The respiratory clinic at 27 Guthridge St will operate Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 12.30pm by appointment only.
Liberal Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson welcomed the new testing site, the first to be located on the Bellarine Peninsula.
“The Morrison Government has been working with Epichealth and Western Victoria Primary Health Network to roll out the new Ocean Grove clinic,” Senator Henderson said.
“Our Government has invested $207 million to establish some 100 respiratory clinics across Australia, including in rural and regional areas in each state and territory.
“Another 200 fever clinics, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments, are also in operation across Australia.”
During the state’s testing blitz, which ends on 11 May 2020, anyone can be tested even when they feel well and do not have symptoms (asymptomatic) of coronavirus (COVID-19).
However, anyone with the following symptoms should seek medical advice:
· Fever
· Chills or sweats
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Shortness of breath
· Runny nose
· Loss of sense of smell
Less commonly, headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea have also been reported. The new respiratory clinic at Ocean Grove is in addition to the Kardinia Health respiratory clinic which opened several weeks ago.
COVID-19 testing is also being carried out at Barwon Health’s University Hospital Building B in Geelong and Barwon Health North in Norlane.
For an appointment at the Bellarine respiratory clinic, please telephone 03 9044 0200.
8 May 2020.