A temporary COVID-19 testing clinic will be set up in Ballarat to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The clinic, to be established at the Lucas Community Hub, will be established as part of the Morrison Government’s $2.4 billion health package to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The new Ballarat COVID-19 testing site will open next Tuesday (14 April).
It will operate from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm by appointment only.
Referrals can also be made by GPs, hospitals, the COVID-19 hotline (03 43 11 15 71) or people can call to self-refer to the clinic for testing.
Callers will be screened to ensure they meet the testing criteria prior to booking an appointment.
Liberal Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson welcomed the new testing site.
“While the pandemic is not widespread in regional areas as yet, it’s important we have local doctors leading the local response and preparation for their communities,” Senator Henderson said.
“The clinics will help to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and other general practice clinics.”
The Australian Government is partnering with the City of Ballarat and UFS Medical to establish the new Ballarat COVID-19 testing site.
9 April 2020