New COVID-19 case detected in Ballarat

BALLARAT Health Service has confirmed that new case of COVID-19 has been detected in a Ballarat resident.

In a statement released by BHS the health provider said the patient has not been hospitalised and is “being cared for in the community.”

BHS staff are now working with the Department of Health and Human Services to undertake contract tracing with the aim of identifying other people who may have been close to the new case.

The announcement comes after BHS wrapped up the local component of a two week testing blitz that saw 150,000 people were tested for the virus in Victoria, with just over 5200 of those checks conducted in Ballarat.

That local number includes the over 550 swabs taken during the Mother’s Day weekend.

The tests were carried out at fixed sites in Sebastopol and Lucas, while a mobile facility gathered samples at workplaces as well as Victoria Park and the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility.

Ballarat Health Service has now closed its Sebastopol testing site, while the mobile facility is under review.

That means that the UFS run laboratory and clinic in Lucas is now the only dedicated COVID-19 testing location currently still operating in the city.

“We continue to provide mobile asymptomatic testing for priority workplace,” a BHS spokesperson said. “We are working with DHHS to also establish asymptomatic testing of teachers and school staff in the coming week before the recommencement of onsite teaching.

“It continues to be extremely important that if you have even the mildest symptoms that you get tested for COVID-19 at the UFS Lucas Clinic. Appointments must be made by calling 4311 1571, by booking online or through your GP.”