More than 55,000 samples have been taken in the first week of Victoria’s coronavirus testing blitz – as the Victorian Government continues the push for more people to visit one of more than 90 sites across the state to get tested.

The response from everyday Victorians to the call to get tested has been phenomenal and has seen more than 150,000 people tested for coronavirus in Victoria since 1 January.

As we enter the second week of the blitz, we’re calling on any Victorian with even very mild symptoms  to get tested so we can better understand how the virus is spreading in the community and help set us up to consider slowly easing the restrictions currently in place under the State of Emergency.

The blitz is being undertaken by nurses, doctors and pathology collection staff via a combination of drive-through and walk-up clinics. Mobile screening clinics have also set up on construction sites.

A number of retailers have also joined the fight against coronavirus and facilitated the set-up of drive-through testing sites in their carparks, providing Victorians with easier access to testing.

Anyone who has any symptoms, no matter how mild, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, is encouraged to get a test. Common symptoms of coronavirus are fever, breathing difficulties, breathlessness, cough or a sore throat.

Increased testing has also been agreed by the National Cabinet as a pre-requisite for a potential easing of restrictions.

Individuals with symptoms wanting to be tested can go to a drive-through or mobile testing site, visit a dedicated COVID-19 clinic or contact their GP by phone.

For more information about testing and locations go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews

“Not only have Victorians been doing their best to protect each other by following the rules and staying home, they’ve also been stepping up to get themselves tested.”

“With every test we’re getting vital information, and that puts us in a better position to consider slowly easing some of the restrictions that we have in place.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos

“Even if you have mild symptoms – like a runny nose or scratchy throat –please get yourself down to one of our 90 sites and take a test.”

“Our message can’t be clearer: keep doing the right thing and get yourself tested.”

Quote attributable to Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton

“The more testing we do, the more we know about the virus in the community and how much we are slowing its spread – this will help us make decisions about next steps.”