The CHIRP Community Health-Castlemaine Health COVID-19 Testing Clinic has seen a significant increase in demand for testing recently, with the team taking over 2,900 swabs in October alone.
The clinic has introduced a new online form to help streamline bookings and reduce wait times for people coming through for tests.
Castlemaine Health community services and wellbeing executive director Kerryn James said they review the clinic on a regular basis to make sure it continues to meet community need.
“Our most recent analysis showed that we have completed more tests in the past two months than over the whole of the previous year,” Ms James said.
This increase was driven by a local outbreak in Mount Alexander Shire with several exposure sites in Castlemaine, combined with an expanding number of cases and exposure sites in surrounding areas. Anyone who needs a COVID-19 test should complete the new registration form available at www.chirp.org.au/covid-19 or call the COVID-19 Testing Line on 5479 1005 and leave your details. Your call will be returned and an appointment time booked in. All clinic details, including location, date and time, are also available on the website. See the Mail for the full story.