Frontline health workers have called on border residents not to become complacent, saying all their work is void if residents with COVID symptoms don't come forward for testing.
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From Monday, border residents with COVID-19 symptoms no longer need to make an appointment before attending the Wodonga drive-thru testing facility.
COVID Services team leader Linda Todhunter said the clinic and health service can do absolutely everything right but if the community becomes complacent and doesn't get tested, COVID could still spread.
"We're null and void if people don't fess up or don't get tested," she said.
"All this work we've done is not worth much if the community doesn't support us.
"They have to be in for the long haul. For us, we're in it for the long haul, this is not going away so we need the community to still be vigilant because it's harder to do that as they time goes on."
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Mrs Todhunter has worked at the clinic since it was set up back in March and said the community's patience and support has been remarkable.
She said changing the clinic to a drop-in service would make it easier on patients.
"We've got people coming back for their fourth, fifth, sixth swap," she said.
"We can't run this without the community being absolutely vigilant about it.
"No one wants to get a swab six times, but if there's anything to say about Albury and Wodonga it is that people are doing the right thing, they aren't over it yet, they're still coming.
"Six swaps is a brave thing."
Infection control consultant Leisa Bridges said testing was absolutely vital so the service can get on top of any positive cases early and ensure outbreaks don't spread through the community.
"[Testing] is the only way if we do have an outbreak to get on it early," she said.
"If anyone has symptoms it's really important they come forward."
The Wodonga clinic, at 79 Vermont Street, operates from 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday.
It is a free service which does not require a referral or appointment from Monday.