There are fears of a new case of community transmission in regional Victoria after a returned traveller received an inconclusive COVID-19 test.
Ballarat Health Services confirmed in a statement to local media the possible case had recently completed a stay in an interstate MIQ facility.
On Tuesday night they presented to Ballarat Base Hospital for a COVID-19 test, which returned an inconclusive result.
"Their COVID test result is currently under investigation. Initial investigations suggest that this may be an historic case. Further testing is being carried out.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the individual and their close contacts are isolating, including any staff and patients who are required to do so. All due processes have been followed by staff and the individual."
Local public health services are currently undergoing contact tracing.
Ballarat Health Services CEO Dale Fraser told 7News the potential case served as a "timely reminder" the pandemic was "well from being over and we need to remain vigilant and cautious".
"This is a rapidly evolving situation, and the Ballarat community is reminded to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by following the restrictions put in place by the Victorian Government."
It comes amid Victoria's latest outbreak of COVID-19, however those cases have all emerged in Melbourne's northern suburbs. It is not yet known if the potential case is linked.
