diff --git a/.gitea/actions/setup-python-env/action.yml b/.gitea/actions/setup-python-env/action.yml
index c51e30d..3ad1a66 100644
--- a/.gitea/actions/setup-python-env/action.yml
+++ b/.gitea/actions/setup-python-env/action.yml
@@ -26,6 +26,10 @@ inputs:
     description: Execute setup script dry run before live run when true.
     required: false
     default: 'true'
+  create-venv:
+    description: Create an isolated virtual environment when using the system Python.
+    required: false
+    default: 'false'
 runs:
   using: composite
   steps:
@@ -48,7 +52,7 @@ runs:
         python -m pip --version >/dev/null 2>&1 || python -m ensurepip --upgrade
         python -m pip --version
     - name: Create virtual environment
-      if: ${{ inputs.use-system-python == 'true' }}
+      if: ${{ inputs.use-system-python == 'true' && inputs.create-venv == 'true' }}
       shell: bash
       run: |
         set -euo pipefail
diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/test.yml b/.gitea/workflows/test.yml
index b7e1c9c..dac32fc 100644
--- a/.gitea/workflows/test.yml
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/test.yml
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ jobs:
         with:
           use-system-python: 'true'
           run-db-setup: 'false'
+          create-venv: 'true'
 
       - name: Run lint checks
         run: ruff check .
@@ -65,6 +66,7 @@ jobs:
         uses: ./.gitea/actions/setup-python-env
         with:
           use-system-python: 'true'
+          create-venv: 'true'
 
       - name: Run unit tests
         run: pytest tests/unit