The tight border closure intended to stop the spread of COVID-19 appears to be discouraging some people from getting tested.
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The federally-funded respiratory clinic established by Central Medical Group observed a drop in people booking in for assessment when the new public health order came into effect.
General manager Suzanne Fisher said people could be getting tested elsewhere, but raised their Wodonga clinic had not seen a drop in bookings when a Albury pop-up site started three weeks ago.
"I've got no hard proof that it is the border closure, but it was overnight," she said.
"Our biggest concern is with the closure of the border, are people just going, 'It's too hard'? Are we now not testing as much as we could be?"
The clinic was testing approximately 70 people a day at its dedicated facility on Beechworth Road, but that has dropped to around 40 daily since Wednesday.
Ms Fisher's biggest concern is people outside the 'blue zone' who cannot get a permit to cross the border, with GPs not swabbing for COVID-19 in some cases.
"We can provide any patient in the blue bubble that needs to be tested with a letter ... but it's the people who are five kilometres on the other side [of the bubble]," she said.
"We have about a 30 per cent base from NSW coming to Central Medical Group generally.
"We haven't seen a dramatic drop in general patient care - it's been specific to the respiratory clinic."
Prior to Murrumbidgee Local Health District opening a pop-up testing clinic in Lavington on July 7, Central Medical Group was the only free, dedicated COVID-19 clinic in the region, alternate to Albury Wodonga Health's facility.
Indi MP Helen Haines said to the best of her knowledge, CMG had the only local, publicly-funded clinic where children under 10 could get tested.
"At a straight-up COVID clinic, you would drive in, get a swab and away you go, whereas at the respiratory clinic, people with coughs or even exacerbation of asthma will get a full examination from a doctor," she said.
"It's publicly-funded so that people aren't avoiding going to a doctor.
"Don't let the restrictions be a barrier to getting the health care you need."
Yarrawonga Health also conducts testing for residents along the Murray River.
A spokeswoman said the latest data showed COVID-19 testing rates were stable.
"However, we remain concerned that there is potential for NSW residents to put off testing due to fears of potentially having to isolate for 14 days on their return, regardless of results or symptoms," she said.
"All current testing sites for Yarrawonga and Mulwala are located on the Victorian side of the border, which is particularly concerning for those on the NSW side who regularly access health services in Yarrawonga."
Yarrawonga Health has had a small number of staff outside the cross-border zone, for whom exemptions were sought.
"This has created some increased anxiety in health workers providing essential services to our community and additional work, further taxing already-stretched resources," the spokeswoman said.
"We are also encountering families located in the immediate area, who reside outside of the boundary for permits who cannot visit to check on loved ones currently in our aged care facilities due to current restrictions.
"This poses significant mental health and well-being and quality of life implications to our most vulnerable in our community, at a time which is already inherently difficult for them.
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"Yarrawonga Health is currently working with other cross-border communities to voice concern of the impacts that border closures continue to have in our area and along the boundary of NSW."
Ms Fisher said Central Medical Group's operations separate to its respiratory clinic had not been significantly impacted by the new public health order.
"We have had patients ring and say, 'We're going to see another doctor', because they just don't want to make that border crossing, but other than that ... it hasn't had a huge impact," she said.
"We've only got the one [staff member] outside of the zone and they have the ability to work from home.
"If you have symptoms, it's critical to get tested - we have to stay vigilant."
People can book online to Central Medical Group's clinic at https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/wodonga-VIC-3690/central-medical-group-wodonga/doctors.
Yarrawonga Health's bookings can be made by contacting (03) 57438132, Albury Wodonga Health's COVID number is (02) 6058 4444, and MLHD's hotline is 1800 831 099.