The government must do more to boost COVID-19 testing rates to provide a clearer picture of the spread of the virus in Tasmania as the state looks to a staged reopening of the economy.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said with testing still well below capacity across the state, random testing is needed at the state’s high traffic areas.
“While testing capability has increased and the numbers have improved in the North West, Tasmania is still not meeting our testing capacity,” Ms White said.
“And, with two new cases overnight, it is clear that we are not out of the woods yet. The fact is we can only truly be confident that we are on top of COVID-19 when we have a large sample of the population statewide who have been tested.
“Labor has been calling for the government to conduct randomised testing, including among frontline health workers and people who do not have symptoms.
“Setting up testing stations in high-traffic areas like supermarkets and hardware stores is a sensible option, and one that has been introduced in multiple jurisdictions around the world, including New Zealand.
“This would give us a much clearer picture of what the virus is doing in the community and provide the information needed to ensure the safety of the public takes precedence as we move towards a relaxation of restrictions.
“This is particularly vital as businesses and industries work proactively to prepare for the staged reopening of the economy whenever it is safe to do so.
“The sooner public health officials feel confident we have control of COVID-19, the sooner we can start to lift some of the current restrictions.
“It’s also vital that these businesses and industries have clarity on what is required to reopen safely, with clear guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment and appropriate hygiene practices, to avoid a second wave of the virus.
“States like Victoria and South Australia are well advanced in preparing businesses for the re-emergence of trade.
“While Labor supports taking a cautious approach, Tasmania’s businesses and industries need hope and certainty to plan for the eventual resumption of trading – a critical issue with the 15 May deadline for reviewing restrictions just nine days away.
“Businesses, workers and customers must feel safe to reopen and I urge the Premier to provide a clear plan as a matter of urgency.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
