Bendigo Health has the potential to ramp up is COVID-19 testing as it prepares for a potential second wave of infection.
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Chief executive Peter Faulkner said the hospital testing clinic had been busier than usual but had consistently been testing about 120 people over the past week.
"The people being tested in our clinic have been predominantly local people from Greater Bendigo or adjacent local government areas," he said.
"We would like to welcome as many people as possible and can ramp up testing and test more people. We encourage anyone with any symptoms, however mild, to be tested."
There are clearly a few other viruses out there like the common cold and flu but we are not encouraging anyone to self diagnose. Come and get tested.
- Bendigo Health CEO Peter Faulkner
Mr Faulkner said during the winter season there were a number of possible viruses people could catch. He urged people with symptoms to ensure they are tested.
"We know this is a contagious virus and dangerous one," he said. "The surge in cases in the metropoliton area is a concern, (Victoria) has now had six consecutive days of confirmed cases in double digits. This is a concern.
"People are taking this seriously and there are clearly a few other viruses out there like the common cold and flu but we are not encouraging anyone to self diagnose. Come and get tested.
"It takes a short amount of time and helps us all if you do."
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Mr Faulker said the Loddon Mallee was prepared to handle a second wave of coronavirus infections.
"As a health service and region the Loddon Mallee is really well prepped to address a surge," he said. "But don't want to see it.
"We're going to maintain current visitor restrictions, we think they are appropriate, and will follow the Victorian Chief Health Officer's advice and will respond accordingly.
"Our (personal protective equipment) supply is good. Sometimes we are getting things we are not familiar with, they're different to what we usually get but we are still getting PPE."
"I would be delighted to be as ready as we ever could be and never have to use resources we have."
Bendigo Health general patients can receive two visitors for up to one hour.
Intensive Care Unit patients will be permitted visits of 15 minutes, with pre-arrangements. All visits to specialist wards must be prearranged with the nurse unit manager.
Mr Faulkner said ensuring basic hygiene and social distancing were adhered to would go a long way to protecting against a second wave.
"It's a really dangerous virus and encourage everyone to maintain cleanliness, physical distancing and only travel when you have to. With school holidays coming, we expect others to come to Bendigo, which is great if we are maintain core things make a difference like social distancing and hygiene.
"Do the best you can to protect yourself, your family and the community."