The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the Government’s number one priority as we continue through the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continuing a high testing rate is really important to ensure we are closely monitoring for any COVID-19 in our community.
I’m pleased to announce new equipment and an expansion at the Royal Hobart Hospital Molecular Laboratory will significantly boost our COVID-19 testing capacity.
This means the laboratory now has more space for our incredible staff and the capacity to regularly process more than 1,000 COVID-19 tests every day.
I’d like to thank the scientists in the RHH lab who have already been processing thousands of tests each week. This new equipment, the Alinity-m, which is being installed this week and the MagNa Pure 96, will allow them to process even more.
Rapid identification and response to emerging clusters and outbreaks will help to minimise any transmission in the event of an outbreak.
Tasmanians can be comforted that we have new capacity in our labs and testing clinics to respond to testing demand.
Tasmania has now delivered more than 74,000 tests - a huge effort and Tasmanians are to be congratulated.
I’d also like to thank the many nurses and staff across the State who’ve gone above and beyond to staff our clinics, including braving some chilly conditions to deliver vital services.
Tasmanians can arrange an appointment by contacting the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 or by contacting their GP.
If you have any symptoms such as a sniffle, fever, cough, sore or scratchy throat or shortness of breath it’s really important to go and get tested.
Further information about COVID-19 testing is available here: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/keeping-yourself-safe/testing-for-covid19