A new clinic that opened in Bendigo last week says it is ready to handle any increase in people seeking coronavirus tests.

The government has announced a testing blitz, to gain more information on coronavirus in the community before it reviews the State of Emergency in two weeks' time.

Bendigo Respiratory Clinic's Dr Ewa Piejko said the service was well-prepared, with the space and capacity to handle an increase in people presenting for tests.

The clinic saw an increase within a day of the government's announcement: on Tuesday morning alone, Dr Piejko said, the clinic had seen 20 people, whereas it would usually see that number in one day.

The clinic not only tests for coronavirus, but sees patients with respiratory illness who might not be able to attend their usual GP.

Dr Piejko said doctors referring patients to the clinic should note they need a GP assessment.

Those who wish to be tested at the clinic should book online at the clinic's website.

Dr Piejko said this would make the process at the clinic faster.

Bendigo Health's testing clinic can be reached on 5454 6000.

Earlier

Bendigo Health says it is prepared for a statewide COVID-19 testing blitz that will inform any decisions about lifting restrictions.

The state government has announced up to 100,000 people will be tested over the next two weeks, before the State of Emergency is reviewed on May 11.

"By increasing the testing for coronavirus and widening the testing criteria, it gives us more evidence and therefore more options when it comes to slowly lifting restrictions," Premier Daniel Andrews said.

Related: Bendigo Health tests more than 1600 people

A Bendigo Health spokesperson said the service had the capacity and testing kit supply to increase testing at its COVID-19 screening clinic.

"Our clinic has conducted more tests in recent weeks as the state government progressively expanded the coronavirus testing criteria," the spokesperson said.

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The statewide testing blitz will take place at drive-through and walk-up clinics, as well as mobile screening clinics.

New testing clinics will open this week, including three in Boort, Cohuna and Kerang.

Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus, no matter how mild, is encouraged to get a test.

Symptoms include fever, breathlessness, breathing difficulties, a cough, sore or scratchy throat, or fatigue.

Related: New respiratory clinic opens in Bendigo

Some industries still operating at full capacity will be targeted, including healthcare and aged care workers, construction workers, supermarket workers and agricultural workers.

Workers without symptoms in hospitals and other facilities with vulnerable residents will also be asked to voluntarily participate in sample testing for research.

Wastewater will also be tested and coronavirus levels will be tracked to anticipate and respond to any local outbreaks.

Related: Which states are easing restrictions?

While an easing of restrictions could be on the horizon, the community is urged against complacency and to carry on with behaviour that limits the spread of the disease.

"Bendigo Health is concerned about a potential surge in infections and the impact this could have on our health service," the service's spokesperson said.

To date, nine City of Greater Bendigo residents have tested positive to coronavirus, but there have been no new cases since March 31.

Across central Victoria, there have been a total of 29 confirmed cases, the most recent in Macedon Ranges Shire on April 21.