Stawell Regional Health experiences spike in COVID-19 testing during Victorian government imposed lockdown

In a response to the increase in demand, the health service has re-commenced a seven--day drive through clinic currently based at the hospital .

Chief executive Kate Pryde said the increase of testing was a great community response to risk management.

"There is some people that think Coronavirus isn't out there - or it's not in the area," she said.

"We are swabbing people in our community who have been identified as tier one contacts - they were in one of the contact areas/venues.

"We need to continue to follow the recommendations and restrictions that are in place.

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"I know it's not easy - but we want to make sure we get ontop of this quickly and keep our community safe."

Ms Pryde said the vaccine distribution had increased.

"We are increasing the clinic hours to support increased vaccination," she said.

"Particularly now that round two for our AstraZeneca is about to start and we are an approved Pfizer site."

"We are seeing a large spike in demand and are working our way through it - we ask that you are patient and kind to our staff that are working overtime to support the increase in delivery.

"All staff that are in the vaccination clinic have had to go over 18 hours of additional training to support the safe delivery of the COVID-19 Vaccine."

If you feel unwell - with even mild signs and symptoms of a cold or flu - or have received a request to have a COVID 19 test you can call the SRH Respiratory Assessment Clinic on 5358 8630 between 8:30am - 5pm to make your appointment to receive a test.

Vaccination appointments are booked according to the order in which the health service receives consent forms. The health service advises at the moment, due to demand, there is a two weeks turn around time to get a call to book your appointment.

"We are working towards significantly speeding this process up with the additional arrangements being worked on at the moment," Ms Pryde said.

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