Update: Testing rates for COVID-19 in Ararat have steadily increased this week, the East Grampians Health Services chief executive said.
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Andrew Freeman said testing rates were similar to Wimmera Base Hospital this week.
"We anticipate undertaking about 200 tests this week," he said.
"This equates to about 30 tests per day."
Mr Freeman was unable to provide details on long term testing rates.
Earlier: Testing rates for COVID-19 have increased sixfold in the Wimmera this week, a spokesperson from the Wimmera Base Hospital said.
Almost 200 people are expected to undergo the coronavirus swab test at the hospital this week, up from as few as 30 in previous weeks.
"This week we've seen up to 30 people each day," the spokesperson said.
"Previously we saw five to 12 people before this weekend's news of more COVID-19 cases.
"Testing has definitely ramped up.
"There might be some who have looked at what's happening in Melbourne and decided to get tested."
The spokesperson said residents are encouraged to get tested no matter their symptoms.
"We want people to get tested no matter how slight the symptom."
Spokespeople from West Wimmera Health Service and Stawell Regional Health said testing rates have remained steady, but declined to give any figures.
East Grampians Health Service was contacted for comment and it yet to provide and figure.
More than 696,000 test results have been conducted state-wide since January 1, 2020.
There are no active cases of COVID-19 in the Wimmera or Grampians; however, there are nine historical cases to date.
Horsham had its coronavirus case confirmed on March 28, and its second a few days later, and its third on April 8.
Northern Grampians also recorded three cases, while there has only been on cases each in West Wimmera, Ararat and Yarriambiack. There have been no recorded cases in the Hindmarsh Shire.
The latest data from the Department of Health and Human Services showed there are 1884 cases in Victoria, an increase of 20 from Tuesday.
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Ben Fraser
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
