Please note this information pertains to 31 December 2021 and 1 January 2022. Please check the COVID-19 Testing page for the most up-to-date information and hours.

Staff and patron safety at the Ballarat Health Services’ drive-through testing clinic is front-of-mind when considering operating hours and closures due to extreme weather conditions.

Please note that operating hours for the testing clinic on Creswick Road will change tomorrow 31 December and Saturday 1 January, with the clinic opening at 7.30am and closing at 1.30pm on both days.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-thirties on both days.

Temperatures inside the marquees when wearing full PPE can become unsafe, and waiting in cars for extended periods could be a significant risk to patrons.

When attending the clinic over summer months, please be prepared in case there are long wait times. If you are attending a drive-through clinic, fill the car with fuel before lining up, and pack plenty of water, snacks, your phone charger, and something to entertain children. 

The clinic is expected to return to normal operating hours from Sunday 2 January, however, the community is asked to check the BHS website before heading out to get tested, as changes due to extreme weather conditions can happen rapidly.

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PCR testing is available for people who are symptomatic and household contacts of positive cases.   

Testing for travel is also available, but longer wait times should be anticipated.  

BHS has the following important messages for the Ballarat community: 

• Do not go to the Emergency Department for testing – the ED does not offer this service.  Anyone attending for non-urgent treatment can expect extremely long wait times. People are not seen in order of arrival at ED, they are seen in order of urgency – the most unwell will always be seen first.  
• Be patient and kind to the healthcare staff who are working hard to meet the needs of our community.  Rudeness is unnecessary behaviour, and abuse and aggression will not be tolerated.  
• Prepare for long wait times in your car in warm weather – pack plenty of water, snacks, your phone charger, and something to entertain children.  
• If you are attending a drive-through clinic, fill the car with fuel before attending

Information on the BHS website is updated regularly: bhs.org.au/covid 

Estimated wait times at testing clinics: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19