South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall joined by SA’s Minister for Health Stephen Wade and SA Health have provided an update on the current COVID-19 news.
Case update
Having completed 10,000 tests from when the testing blitz begun last week, the past 24 hours has only seen one new case surface.
The individual who is in their 20s had a history of overseas travel.
The new case pushed the total to 438 with 388 recovered (89%), with 46 active cases.
There still remains four individuals in hospital, two of which are in ICU, both in critical condition.
SA Pathology HQ
Building on its decision to keep SA Pathology in public ownership, the Marshall Liberal Government is looking at opportunities to strengthen the service going into the future.
A business case will assess the merit of building a new flagship laboratory for SA Pathology.
Minister Wade said several metropolitan sites will be considered for the new flagship laboratory as part of the business case.
“The creation of a consolidated facility has the potential to free up space in our hospitals, reduce courier trips and help to improve timeliness,” said Minister Wade.
“It could also allow the service to expand beyond blood and swab samples to provide further testing, such as the tissue diagnosis of disease (anatomical pathology).”
Repatriated residents
In regards to the close to 700 SA residents that have now been repatriated back in the state, over 250 test results have returned with zero cases.
Restrictions
The Premier has stated that despite the next National Cabinet meeting taking place on Friday, it is unlikely that restrictions will be lifted
More to come.
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