EAST Grampians Health Service chief executive Andrew Freeman has renewed his call for people with symptoms of coronavirus to get tested, after the Ararat respiratory clinic recorded a drop in tests completed.
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A spokeswoman said the health service tested 45 people at the Girdlestone Street clinic last week, compared to 62 the previous week.
Mr Freeman said it wasn't surprising the numbers had dropped.
"I think people are predominantly well at the moment. All I would stress again is if anyone has symptoms, please come forward," he said.
"We are ready and we want to test people."
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Mr Freeman said it was essential people continued distancing physically and wearing masks as restrictions began to ease from Sunday.
"It's not just to stop the spread of coronavirus, it stops the spread of the common cold and other illnesses that people have," he said.
"I'm not sure we will necessarily see an increase in testing again."
The Ararat assessment clinic is available by appointment only. Residents can book a test by phoning 5352 9532.
The health service is not testing people that have no symptoms for coronavirus, unless they are booked in for surgery. It is still undertaking category one and urgent category two surgery, which are for cases requiring treatment in the past 90 days.
Mr Freeman said the service had not seen anyone without symptoms seeking a coronavirus test after being directed to by their employees.
On Thursday, the Wimmera Health Care Group said it had experienced this at its Horsham testing clinic.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
