PLANS to step up COVID-19 testing capacity across the region are in preparation to face an expected 10,000 new infections in Victoria each day.
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For now, testing resources remains strained amid intense demand this holiday season.
The news comes as temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in parts of the region and wait times for testing take up to an hour during peak periods.
Grampians Public Health Unit operations director Robyn Wilson moved to reassure "every available person on hand" to do testing, was out there testing.
"We've got every available person on hand to do that testing," she said.
"There is a point of where we can't get extra staff to do this - we're putting everyone we can in there.
"We're reviewing what those policies will be that guide our testing because testing capacity is limited across our state and across Australia."
Ms Wilson said it was not feasible to keep extending hours because testing teams risked burn out.
The bulk of testing demand has been for interstate travel requirements, which now has some reprieve from South Australia dropping pre-arrival polymerase chain reaction tests, better known as PCR, and Queensland set to do so from Saturday.
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley flagged on Wednesday the faster rapid antigen tests, which tell if you are likely to have COVID-19, will be made free.
Ms Wilson said a rapid antigen test shortage through the Christmas period had proved an extra challenge, particularly for the testing site.
The testing team was working to prioritise people with unwell with COVID-19 symptoms.
Ms Wilson urged people with symptoms to explore other test options, particularly with hot weather ahead.
"We're really worried about people queuing up in the car on a hot day and when they're not well," Ms Wilson said.
"So please, if you are queuing up take lots of water and be prepared for it to be a wait."
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Ben Fraser
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
