The Department of Health and Human Services has stepped up its program of COVID-19 testing, zeroing in on communities where cases may be more likely or where testing numbers were relatively low.
In a statement the Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos said targeted testing – in addition to ongoing testing – would help provide vital intelligence and inform the further easing of restrictions.
“The targeted testing program will run until the end of August and focus on Local Government Areas (LGAs) with low testing rates, communities with high case numbers, high-risk workforces and vulnerable groups,” Ms Mikakos said.
“While more than 590,000 Victorians have already come forward for testing – giving Victoria one of the highest testing rates in the world – we cannot take any chances,” she said
“Targeting specific areas will help find and isolate cases quickly and make it easier for people to get tested – particularly culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians who may find it harder to access testing information.”
Ms Mikakos said the targeted testing would be rolled out in four three-week waves across different locations, with the first starting in Mildura, Kyabram, Dandenong and Brimbank.
“Other LGAs and areas to be targeted include inner-city Melbourne, Moreland City Council, City of Melton, Colac Otway Shire, City of Whittlesea, Surf Coast Shire, Hume City and Wyndham City,” she said.
She said the program would boost testing by increasing awareness of testing sites, establishing new testing sites and increased promotion of testing.
