Drive-through testing expands

The drive-through testing service at Wonthaggi Hospital has been expanded.

Bass Coast Health has installed a large marquee in the carpark at the hospital to cater for increased demand. Nurses tested 171 people last Thursday across Bass Coast Health – the highest number of tests conducted across the organisation in one day during the Pandemic.

“We are pleased that members of the Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities who have symptoms are coming to be tested to help us understand the extent of COVID locally,” Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said.

“At the same time, I would like to remind people that once they are tested, they MUST remain at home until they get their result and keep their distance from family members. Please don’t get tested and then go to work, to the supermarket or to your friend’s home. We have already seen cases where people’s test result comes back positive but they have spread the virus to their work colleagues and family.

“This virus is highly contagious and can be spread by a droplet, or by poor hand hygiene and it is very easily spread throughout our community. It may not kill you, but it may kill someone you are in contact with, or someone you love,” Ms Child said.

“Getting tested is the responsible thing to do but you must self-isolate before and after and keep your friends, family, workplace and your community safe.”

People should be tested if they display such symptoms as: fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, or loss of sense of smell or taste.

Testing is available at the Phillip Island Health Hub (24 hours a day) and Wonthaggi Hospital (10am-5pm, 7 days a week).

You can also book for a test at Wonthaggi Medical Centre, Monday to Friday (Ph: 0492 036 568 or www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/wonthaggi-VIC-3995/wonthaggi-respiratory-clinic/doctors).

People should phone their doctor or the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 if their symptoms get worse. Everyone is advised to practise physical distancing by keeping at least 1.5m away from other people. If physical distancing is not practical, wear face masks.

Details on how to correctly wear a mask: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-masks-victoria-covid-19