News

Testing times in COVID-19

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:39:00

CONTINUING to be tested for COVID-19 remains “absolutely vital” to slowing the spread of the deadly virus across the Mallee, according to the local health service.

Amid concerns the lower COVID-19 infection rates recorded in the past week may make people complacent about being tested, the Mallee Track Health and Community Service has urged local residents to get tested, regardless of how mild their symptoms may be.
“This pandemic is not over and now is not the time to start thinking this virus is under control,” Mallee Track Health and Community Service Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said.
“There has been a concerning drop off in testing rates recently, both within our region and right across Victoria. The greatest weapon we have in the fight against this pandemic is to keep testing.”
Ms O’Callaghan said the results from testing undertaken in the next few weeks will be critical to the decisions the Victorian Government makes on COVID-19 restrictions into the near future. 
“The Chief Health Officer has said right from the start that health authorities and the government are being guided by what the data tells them,” she said.
“The more tests we can do to understand how this virus is spreading in the community, the better.
“Without consistently strong testing numbers, low case numbers alone won't give them the confidence begin easing restrictions.”
Ms O’Callaghan thanked Mallee residents who have been tested, but reminded community members there is no limit to the amount of times they can be tested if they have symptoms.
Symptoms include fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell. The test is free for everyone.
“We simply can’t afford to be complacent,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“You can be tested for COVID-19 at our medical clinic in Ouyen or Sea Lake, which means you don’t have to drive to Mildura or Swan Hill to be swabbed.”
Community members are asked to call ahead before arriving to be tested and to be tested early in the day, to ensure swabs can be sent to pathology laboratories for analysis as soon as possible.
MTHCS can be contacted on 5092 1111 for further information.

Photo: MTHCS Nurse Unit Manager and Infection Control Co-ordinator Sue White undertakes at COVID-19 test for Executive Director of Nursing Pam Vallance (photo was taken earlier this year during the healthcare worker testing blitz).