Bendigo Health is reminding people to only line up for PCR testing if they have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive rapid-antigen test.
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The testing clinic in McLaren Street is still seeing a high demand for COVID-19 testing.
The high demand comes as Victoria recorded more than 14,000 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday morning including 28 new cases for Greater Bendigo.
A Bendigo Health spokesperson said rapid-antigen tests are the best test for people with out symptoms who are a close contact.
"You only need to come to Bendigo Health for a PCR test if you have symptoms or you have returned a positive Rapid Antigen Test," the spokesperson said.
"RATs are the appropriate test for people without symptoms who have been in contact with a COVID-positive person or people who want to take a precautionary test."
Like other parts of Victoria, people being tested for COVID-19 in Bendigo are experience a wait for up to five days for test results.
"Please be patient if you are waiting for a test, bring some water and a hat and be aware that if you do not meet the criteria for a PCR test you will not be tested," the spokesperson said.
On Tuesday morning, the Victorian Government announced four private sector pathology clinics will suspend their services in an effort to clear a back log of COVID-19 test results.
Testing commander Jeroen Weimer said the four companies - 4Cyte, Australian Clinical Labs, Melbourne Pathology and Dorevitch - would close 54 sites later this week. Of those, 41 are 4Cyte.
"They're disappointed to have to do this but they're doing a pragmatic thing to safeguard their own systems and to make sure the labs can get back on top of their workload," Mr Weimar said.
You can check the clinic's current waiting times here: https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/page/3441
- with AAP
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