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The State of Emergency in Victoria will be extended to 26 February 2021 as there remains a serious risk to public health from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Viral fragments of COVID-19 have been detected in wastewater samples recently taken from
Gisborne, Hamilton and Leongatha.
Anyone who lives in or has visited Leongatha from 17 to 19 January, Gisborne from 24 to 26 January or Hamilton from 25 to 27 January is urged to get tested IF they have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild.
Initial testing of wastewater taken from the influent to the Leongatha wastewater treatment plant on January 19 showed a weak result which has now been confirmed with independent testing.
The detection of viral fragments was unexpected given there had been no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in these communities at the time but it can take several weeks for someone to stop shedding the virus.
A COVID Rapid Response Swabbing Clinic is available from 8.30am to 4:00pm from Saturday, 30th January – Monday 1st February (Inclusive) at Gippsland Southern Health Service, Leongatha Hospital site. No appointment is needed.
People with COVID-19 may experience fever, flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, fatigue, loss of taste and/or shortness of breath. Please come for testing if you have any of these symptoms.
Clients will need to enter at the rear of the hospital via Sloane Ave and will be directed towards a marquee that is set up for testing.
What do I need to bring with me?
You need to bring your Medicare card and the details of your usual General Practitioner (GP) and/or GP practice, if you have one. If you don't have a Medicare card then bring one form of identification, like your driver's licence or student ID.
DHHS have a "Call-to-Test" service for people who have COVID symptoms and cannot leave home due to injury, mobility or other eligible reasons. Please call 1800 675 398 and select option 9. For more information please visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/call-to-test-covid-19