By Jed Lanyon
A new Coronavirus testing clinic has opened in Healesville, allowing anyone who has symptoms to be tested for the virus.
Eastern Health staff have been on site at Healesville Senior Citizens Hall testing locals daily. Eastern Health program director (specialty medicine and ambulatory care) Anne Mennen said over 230 local residents had attended the testing clinic in the first week.
“Healesville was selected as Eastern Health already provided a smaller service for Eastern Health’s GP clinic at the Healesville Hospital. However, the site there was not suitable for a service expansion across seven days per week and longer days.
“We did want to ensure we continued to provide a local service in Healesville as there is no other local service.
“We are able to perform over 100 tests per day – so far we have provided up to 60 per day. As no appointment is necessary, we are staffed to ensure over 100 per day can be offered, to ensure good access for everyone who turns up.”
Ms Mennen said anyone with Covid-19 or flu-like symptoms can come along to get tested. This may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or a loss of sense of taste or smell.
The DHHS reported two Covid-19 cases in Healesville earlier this month. The cases were linked to staff members of two aged care homes.
All staff members and residents were tested following the initial cases and found no further trace of the virus.
The new testing site is open from 9.30am to 4pm seven days a week with no appointment necessary. Visitors are asked to bring a form of ID and a mask. Those who do not have a mask will be provided one upon entry to the hall.
From Thursday 23 July, Yarra Ranges residents will be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four reasons, following a concerning increase in coronavirus cases in recent days. This applies to residents from metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
The State Government said those found not wearing face masks will be fined $200. A statement from the Victorian Government explained reasons where wearing a face covering won’t be necessary.
“There will be some reasons not to wear a face covering. For example, those who have a medical reason, kids under 12 years of age, those who have a professional reason or if it’s just not practical, like when running – however you will still be expected to carry your face covering at all times to wear when you can.
“In our schools, that’ll mean teachers don’t have to wear a face covering while teaching – but students attending for VCE, VCAL or for onsite supervision will, while everyone will be expected to wear one on the way to and from school.
“Otherwise, if you’re leaving your home for one of the four reasons, you need to cover your face. The Government will work with Victorian industry and unions to provide advice to workplaces in the coming days.”
The DHHS reported nine active coronavirus cases in the Yarra Ranges as at Monday 20 July.
For information about coronavirus or to find your nearest testing site, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call 1800 675 398.
