Bendigo Health is encouraging people who drive as part of their jobs to be tested for COVID-19 even if they aren't showing symptoms.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The push is part of a state government strategy to ensure coronavirus isn't going undetected in communities.
Commercial passenger and food delivery drivers including taxi, bus and Uber drivers as well as pizza, food service and bulk food delivery drivers, can be tested at clinics in Bendigo and will not have to isolate if they are not showing symptoms.
OTHER NEWS:
"This is part of a state-wide program of asymptomatic testing to assure ourselves the virus isn't in our community undetected," Bendigo Health chief executive Peter Faulkner said. "Vehicle drivers, particularly passenger drivers, are at risk and food delivery drivers have interactions in high-risk industries.
"The more we test, the more we assure ourselves (COVID-19) is not present. It is a highly contagious virus as we know. We want to make sure, if it is here, we find it quickly and get on top of it quickly.
"We expect we will find it from time to time, that's why testing is so important."
Mr Faulkner said Bendigo Health is conducting about 90 tested per day. At its peak coronavirus clinics were testing up to 500 people a day.
"Now we are at 90. Our average (per day) has been about 180, so we're at 50 per cent of what we have been averaging," Mr Faulkner said.
"That's to be expected to some degree with the weather improving, less coughs and colds around."
Greater Bendigo currently has one active COVID-19 case.
"It would be fantastic to have zero cases in our community," Mr Faulkner said. "But we know there are still active cases in the Macedon Ranges area and elsewhere in Victoria.
"As things open up, the risk is always there. That is why we encourage people to come and get tested."