GV Health operational director Julyan Howard said he had seen a "significant increase" in the number of people attending the acute respiratory clinic for a COVID-19 test as Victorians scrambled to get home and isolate, and called for "patience" from the public.
“Staffing has been doubled to respond to this demand,” he said.
“GV Health encourages people returning from orange or red zones to adhere to the permit directions in keeping our community safe.”
In the past 10 days, GV Health acute respiratory clinic staff have processed 1630 COVID-19 tests - an average of 163 tests per day - compared to the 565 tests during the 10 previous days.
Mr Howard said a new process had been introduced for COVID-19 testing at the acute respiratory clinic to meet demand.
Under Victoria's traffic light permit system, Sydney, Central Coast, Shellharbour, Blue Mountains and Wollongong remain ‘red zones’ in NSW alongside Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Perth and Peel in WA, Townsville and greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Lockyer Valley, Noosa, Scenic Rim and Somerset in Queensland and Alice Springs and greater Darwin are ‘orange zones'.
The ACT and the rest of NSW are also ‘orange zones’, however the ‘border bubble’ continues as normal.
“To save you time at the testing clinic, you can register for a COVID-19 test online through Test Tracker,” he said.
“After filling out your details in an online form, people will receive a unique registration number through an SMS message if you provide a mobile number.
“Keep this number and when you present to get tested you will be asked for it, your full name, date of birth and contact number.”
Once arriving at the clinic, Mr Howard said staff would take details - including a registration number - over the phone for quicker access.
“You can use your unique registration number for multiple tests within a 90-day period,” he said.
“Remember, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, you should seek advice and get tested.”
To register for a COVID-19 test, head to testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill
