Australia to crank up coronavirus testing with millions of new kits
29 April, 2020
Australia has secured 10 million COVID-19 test kits, Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Wednesday, as Canberra commences widespread testing that it hopes will sustain a decline in new coronavirus cases and invite social restrictions to be lifted.
Australia - home to 25.7 million people - has confirmed about 6,700 cases of the novel coronavirus and just 88 deaths, way below figures reported in the United States and other hotspots, an outcome the federal government attributes to social distancing restrictions and testing.
Authorities intend to expand testing this week to include people who usually do not show symptoms, a move the federal government says is vital to allow the easing of restrictions and the reopening of elements of the economy shut down by the outbreak.
“Testing is essential to find and control outbreaks, if physical distancing measures should be relaxed,” Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said within an emailed statement.
The kits were secured from China by Fortescue Metals Group founder Andrew Forrest.
Victoria state said it could open mobile units that can test people in their homes, offices even though out shopping. New South Wales state Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged care employees and anyone with the "slightest sniffle" to get tested.
With new infections growing at barely 1% a day, compared to 25% a month ago, several states are already starting to ease restrictions including at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com
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