Media release – Sarah Courtney, Minister for Health, 7 May 2020
Expanding COVID-19 testing in Tasmania
The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is our highest priority as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
I would like to thank staff at the RHH laboratory, who are working around the clock to test hundreds of Tasmanians for COVID-19 each and every day, as well as the clinical staff who are working in our respiratory clinics around the state.
As we continue our testing blitz in the North West, it is crucial that we continue to test extensively in other regions.
We have worked hard to increase the capacity at the RHH laboratory to more than 500 tests each day, with surge capacity of up to 1000 tests a day.
Through the partnership with Sonic Healthcare and the Federal Government, we will be able to significantly boost that capacity to 2000 or more tests.
Importantly, we are targeting our testing based on public health advice and will continue to do so.
Based on Commonwealth data published yesterday, we have performed more than 3,000 tests per 100,000 people – compared to the national rate of just over 2,700.
Our rate of testing is the third highest of any state or territory.
The figures provided regarding testing through the State Government respiratory clinics do not include the many tests that are conducted by GP-led clinics and processed through the private sector.
Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms should come forward and get tested. If in doubt, get a test.
For further advice, phone the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
Media release – Rebecca White MP, Labor Leader, 7 May 2020
Random testing will protect Tasmanians from COVID-19
- Government must introduce more random testing for COVID-19
- New evidence backs Labor’s calls
- Data shows not enough Tasmanians are being tested
The Government must introduce more random testing for COVID-19 to build a clearer picture of the impact of the virus in our community.
New evidence from the Medical Journal of Australia backs Labor’s call for testing to be expanded beyond those showing symptoms.
An article published in the MJA finds:
“Asymptomatic transmission remains a constant threat to the elderly population and has implications for infection control measures; community surveillance must go beyond targeting only symptomatic individuals.”
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the Premier needed to listen to the evidence and act.
“The Government has shown it was willing to move before other jurisdictions to close borders and provide support to visa holders, they should demonstrate the same logic to testing and expand it to all Tasmanians and set up mobile testing clinics that are easily accessible for people in places like supermarkets,” Ms White said.
“This is a serious issue for Tasmania in particular as the demographic of our population places many at high risk due to age. Despite this, Peter Gutwein continues to be dismissive of Labor’s calls for random testing at places like supermarkets and shopping centres where large numbers of people are gathering.
“Instead, the Government is just expecting people to present to testing centres despite their own data showing they clearly aren’t doing this in large enough numbers with just 482 people presenting for testing in the past 24 hours, despite the state having capacity to test 2000 people a day.
“Random testing has been adopted in many places around the world and the ACT has also begun testing asymptomatic people who present at testing centres.
“In light of the latest evidence in the MJA, the Government must immediately move to introduce more random testing in line with the recommendation to go beyond targeting only symptomatic people.”
Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Health spokesperson, 6 May 2020
Community Testing a Critical Part of COVID-19 Suppression
The approach to COVID-19 testing in Tasmania needs to change for us to fully understand the pattern of transmission and give us the best chance of limiting the impact of coronavirus.
The Greens have been raising the issue of purposeful community testing since mid-March with the government. We are yet to receive a satisfactory answer about why this is not occurring in the Tasmanian context, especially given our rate of testing has remained well below capacity for at least the last month.
While we have seen an increase in testing numbers, the current passive approach is not providing us with the meaningful information we need about viral activity within community. As we look to expanding our testing capacity, we also need to be more proactive about the way we conduct tests.
Rather than waiting for people to self-identify with symptoms, we need to start proactively conducting random tests in strategic community settings, such as supermarkets or big box stores.
We welcome the Labor Opposition joining the call for this type of widespread testing, and encourage the Government to reconsider its approach.
Expanding testing becomes even more important as we move towards easing some restrictions. Community-based testing is the best way to get a clear picture of the spread of the virus, and be proactive with a timely response.
