Echuca testing site hits capacity after COVID-19 exposure sites listed in town

In a social media post, the health service apologised for any inconvenience and said there would be increased capacity over the weekend.

Related: Echuca Aldi along with a Kyabram supermarket, bakery and butcher have been listed as Tier 2 exposure sites

"We ask our community to be patient and support our staff through this process," the post said.

Echuca Regional Health said there would be delays in the coming days due to a significant increase in demand.

The testing push comes after it was reported a staff member at an Echuca aged care facility had tested positive for COVID-19.

Echuca Regional Health chief executive Nick Bush said the case was a staff member at the Echuca Community for the Aged Wharparilla Lodge.

The staff member received a positive test result on Thursday, August 26, after going for a test on Tuesday, August 24. They last worked at the aged care home on Friday, August 20.

Victoria's COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said health authorities believed exposure during their infectious period was very short.

The case in the worker at Echuca Community for the Aged Wharparilla Lodge was announced on Friday morning, sending 40 staff into furlough.

Campaspe Shire Council mayor Chrissy Weller said she understood the local community may be feeling anxious about the current coronavirus situation.

"I encourage residents to get tested and get vaccinated, with the coronavirus website providing a range of locations to support testing and vaccinations," she said.

"If you think that every person you walk past may have the virus and question 'should I be doing something differently'? Think about - am I wearing a mask, sanitising, social distancing, using click and collect or delivery services where possible, then please do these things to keep yourself, your family and friends safe."

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Cr Weller encouraged residents to monitor the exposure sites, or connect with services, family or friends who may have access to updated information.

"Again the coronavirus website provides details and is constantly being updated," she said.

The testing clinic is open seven days a week from 9:30am to 4:30pm and is located at 1 Rose St, Echuca.

For all details, visit https://erh.org.au/home/covid-screening-clinic-hours/

A complete list of exposure sites can be found here.

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