The Victorian government aims to test up to 100,000 people in the next two weeks before considering easing restrictions.
After launching four mobile coronavirus testing sites yesterday at Chadstone, Doncaster, Highpoint and Northland shopping centres, the Victorian government has opened a further six ‘drive-thru’ testing sites today.
The new sites, located at Bunnings West Footscray, Pacific Werribee, Pacific Epping, Watergardens Town Centre, Westfield Fountain Gate and Bayside Shopping Centre in Frankston, are due to begin testing this morning.
It comes as part of the state government’s effort to test up to 100,000 people in the next two weeks, with additional regional and suburban testing sites set to be announced over the coming days.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the increased testing measures will be crucial in guiding any decisions around potentially easing Victoria’s social distancing restrictions.
“This is about taking the testing to where people are out in the community,” he said. “The more people we test the more we’ll know about the spread of the virus.”
There’s a chance that #coronavirus is present in the community, but undetected.
If you have mild symptoms, work in a supermarket, in aged care, or you are a healthcare worker, you can help by seeing a healthcare professional for a test.
Learn more: https://t.co/f7zpNgHTwi pic.twitter.com/BpdjMFu2gC
— VicGovDHHS (@VicGovDHHS) April 28, 2020
The mobile testing sites will be run by nurses, doctors and pathology staff to provide a “one-stop shop”.
Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos encourages Victorians with even the slightest symptoms to get tested. These include fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or a runny nose.
“This massive testing blitz will give us the best information about how this virus is spreading in the community – and I encourage anyone with even the mildest of symptoms to help us out and go get themselves tested,” said Mikakos.
Head to the Department of Health and Human Services website to find out more.
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