Tasmanian Labor is calling on the Government to expand COVID-19 testing to include locations such as supermarkets.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said a more proactive testing approach was needed to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.
“We know it can take up to 14 days for COVID-19 symptoms to show and in up to 50% of positive COVID-19 cases in Australia, patients have shown no symptoms,” Ms White said.
“We should be more proactive in testing for COVID-19 in our communities and setting up testing stations at places like supermarkets will help us identify those who may be carrying the virus but aren’t displaying any symptoms.
“Given the situation in the North West, it makes sense to trial an expanded testing system there and then roll it out state-wide.”
Ms White would also like Tasmania to follow the lead of NSW and establish a searchable database of COVID-19 cases for each postcode.
“Allowing people to see the breakdown of COVID-19 cases in each Tasmanian postcode provides for greater transparency and would help dispel some of the misinformation in our communities,” Ms White said.
“This information would also be critical for the State Government in understanding the spread of the virus and making decisions on prioritising services and testing.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
