COVID tests double at Gippsland clinics

Gippsland’s six respiratory clinics have seen COVID testing numbers double in June.

State coronavirus figures released yesterday afternoon showed the number of active cases in Baw Baw was stable at three positive cases.

In neighbouring Cardinia Shire there are four active cases, while there are three in Bass Coast and one each in East Gippsland and South Gippsland.

More than 13,000 tests have been undertaken across Gippsland with 6418 tests in June compared to 2900 in May.

The June daily testing average of 257 was almost double the 132 tests in May and increased testing has seen as many as 521 tests conducted in one day across the region.

Warragul respiratory clinic manager Mario Gupta said the clinic had assessed more than 4872 people since it opened.

“We have definitely seen an increase in testing since the outbreaks in Melbourne, with up over 185 assessments on one day.

“Because of this demand, we recently opened a sixth room,” he said.

The respiratory clinics have extended opening hours to meet the demand with Warragul and Wellington clinics opening additional assessment rooms and Warragul and Morwell opening on Saturday mornings as well as weekdays.

Gippsland Primary Health Network chief executive officer Amanda Proposch praised the response from Gippslanders experiencing even the mildest of symptoms who had tested at the clinics.

Ms Proposch said while Gippsland was not included in the stage three “stay at home” restrictions, communities could not afford to become complacent.

The Warragul clinic is at 197-199 Sutton Street, open weekdays and Saturdays.

Book online at https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/warragul-VIC-3820/warragulrespiratoryclinic/doctors or phone at 5642 6666