The government is considering sites where general practitioners can assess people with COVID-19-like symptoms, regional health minister Mark Coulton said.

"The clinics will help to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and other general practice clinics," he said.

Clinics would help people with mild-to-moderate symptoms get medical advice without posing a risk to others who might want to see their GP for a non-COVID19 related reason, Mr Coulton said.

"These respiratory clinics will be best placed to support people with a fever, a cough, a sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms and help to minimise the risk of infection in the communities," he said.

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The first of 100 regional respiratory clinics was set up in Emerald, Queensland, earlier this week.

"While the pandemic is not widespread in regional areas as yet, it's important we have local doctors leading the local response and preparation for their communities," Mr Coulton said.

Bendigo had recorded 10 cases of coronavirus by Thursday, one week after Victoria's health department confirmed the city's first case.

More cases have also been found in surrounding areas, including six in the Mount Alexander shire and five in the Macedon Ranges.

The Central Goldfields Shire, which includes Maryborough, recorded one case yesterday.

Ballarat confirmed its 10^th case on Thursday, two weeks after recording its first COVID-19 diagnosis.

Nearby shires Hepburn and Moorabool have also confirmed one case each.

Melbourne's Stonningham council area has recorded the most cases with 82 and the state's tally ticked over 1000 on Thursday.

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