KDHS to open COVID-19 Screening and Assessment Clinic

The introduction of a local assessment and testing clinic will also reduce the need for people to travel to Shepparton and Echuca for testing.

The clinic will operate from 10am to 12pm from Monday to Friday.

KDHS chief executive Anne McEvoy said the service will test anyone with any symptoms, no matter how mild, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat.

“We have been reviewing the situation in the past six weeks always in readiness to potentially open one… but now that the eligibility criteria for testing is quite broad it made a lot of sense to open it up locally,” she said.

“It’ll provide a more localised service because it will reduce the requirement to travel to Echuca or Shepparton.

“We’re looking forward to the easing of social distancing rules, however, the health authorities also need the data to support decisions, and the more data and evidence they have will help make those decisions.

“We hope that it will be useful to the community and we will consider broadening out the clinic requirements as we get more information.”

Bookings must be made by phoning 5857 0200, where each caller will then be assessed and provided with appropriate advice by a clinician. 

Those who display a fever, breathing difficulties, breathlessness, cough, sore throat, fatigue or tiredness are encouraged to be tested.

Clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19 included fever, headache, myalgia, runny or stuffy nose, anosmia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The community is still urged to contact their local medical clinic if they were unwell and to support their management of a chronic disease.

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as influenza is to: