Bendigo Health reported a steady number of COVID-19 tests on Thursday, as Victoria's first coronavirus case in 28 days sparked the reintroduction of masks indoors and caps on indoor gathering.
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A Bendigo Health spokesperson said the health service conducted an average of about 70 COVID-19 tests in the past week, with Thursday's figure consistent with this.
Bendigo Health's drive thru and walk-in COVID-19 clinics operate on Stewart Street, Bendigo from 10.30am to 5.30pm daily.
A Bendigo Health spokesperson said coronavirus testing remained an important part of Victoria's defence against the virus and encouraged anyone with symptoms to get tested.
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Victoria recorded one new locally acquired coronavirus case on Wednesday, after a hotel quarantine worker tested positive to the virus.
The case was diagnosed in a hotel quarantine worker at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Melbourne, late on Wednesday.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there were "good, positive early signs" - the people the worker lived with had tested negative - as his other close contacts were traced.
It comes after the state reimplemented caps of 15 on indoor gatherings and mandated mask-wearing in public indoor spaces.
Mr Andrews said the diagnosis would mean hundreds of people self-isolating at home again.
Fourteen sites in Melbourne have so far been listed as exposure sites, requiring any visitor to isolate immediately, take a COVID-19 test, and isolate for 14 days. A full list is available on the Department of Health website.
Testing commander Jeroen Weimar said the Department of Health was setting up additional testing sites, including in the Melbourne suburbs of Noble Park, Brighton, Monash and the central business district.
Mr Weimar thanked all people who had already stepped forward to get tested, pointing to live information on the Department of Health website about queue lengths.
All Australian Open players, officials and supports staff who were staying at the Grand Hyatt are considered casual contacts, who must immediately isolate and get tested.
Hotel staff are considered primary close contacts, who must immediately isolate, take a COVID-19 test and isolate for 14 days.
- with AAP
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Nicholas Nakos
Politics reporter at the Bendigo Advertiser
Politics reporter at the Bendigo Advertiser
Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
