We heed call on testing

THOUSANDS of Geelong region residents have been tested for COVID-19 during the past week as the city battles growing case numbers.

Barwon Health on Wednesday said that during the past week, it had tested 5742 people for COVID-19, compared with 5665 the previous week.

“People with symptoms should be tested,” spokeswoman Kate Bibby said.

“People who have been specifically requested to get tested as they are a close contact of a confirmed case should also be tested.”

Ms Bibby said results were usually returned within 72 hours after a test.

“It is critical people remain in self-isolation until they get their result and follow the expert advice about further isolation,” she said.

“People need to make appointments for testing and we recommend calling one of our clinics for a same-day appointment or contacting their GP.”

Kardinia Health CEO Tricia Bulic said the Geelong Respiratory Clinic at the service has seen an increase in people presenting with respiratory symptoms and requiring testing.

“We have increased from almost 100 tests per day to as many as 149 per day and have provided an additional two sessions over the past two weeks to meet the demand,” Ms Bulic said.

“The colder weather coupled with the increase in positive cases across our region may be encouraging people to book in for testing for mild symptoms where they may not have in the recent past.

“Our test turnaround times have remained fairly consistent and we are still seeing results to patients within 48 hours as a general rule.”