Maryborough’s COVID-19 PCR testing clinic is closing today as demand declines in the Central Goldfields.

Run by the Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS), the clinic has been operating since April 2020 — first at the former Wellbeing Centre on Clarendon Street, then moving to a drive-through format on Florence Lane in 2021 — and has performed around 10,000 swabs.

MDHS associate director of community service Robyn Jordan said the closure comes due to a decrease in demand for PCR testing.

“We would like to thank all of our staff involved in COVID-19 testing for providing this valuable service to our community,” she said.

“With less demand for PCR testing, we’re shifting our focus on care to other parts of the health service.

“Rapid antigen tests are still the cornerstone for testing in Victoria for people with COVID-19 symptoms or who have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.

“Everyone’s first option should be a rapid antigen test. They are fast, accurate, and readily available from local pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores.”

Ms Jordan said the health service has worked hard to respond to local demand during the pandemic.

“The response of our team has been nothing short of amazing,” she said.

“Frontline nurses and administrators have worked outdoors and tackled all sorts of weather conditions in full personal protective equipment to get this important job done, and our customer experience team has managed thousands of calls for appointments.

“We ramped up testing and tracking as needed to help contain the spread of COVID-19 as we’ve moved through different phases of the pandemic.

“The dedication of our testing team and response partners have played a vital role in keeping our community safe during these challenging times.”

Rapid antigen tests can be picked up at the main entrance at Maryborough Hospital between 10 and 11 am on week days. Test limits apply and those attending must wear a mask on entry. Rapid antigen tests are also available at local supermarkets and pharmacies.

Residents can access PCR testing at sites in Ballarat or Bendigo. 

To find out where to get tested visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-pcr-test-covid-19