No timeline given for release of virus investigation findings

The State Government is yet to outline a timeline for the release of findings into an investigation of the coronavirus outbreak on the North-West amid calls for transparency.

THERE is still no indication when Tasmanians will learn what led to a deadly coronavirus cluster in the North-West with the State Government failing to give a definitive answer on when the investigative report will be released.

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said the Public Health Service report into the outbreak at the North West Regional Hospital has been completed and was being read by Tasmania’s health officials.

“The PHS has completed a report describing the outbreak,” Dr Veitch said during Sunday’s daily coronavirus briefing.

“It is being shared internally and will allow Tasmania to better respond in the future.”

But Dr Veitch could not say when the public might also have some answers to the many questions circulating about just what went wrong at the NWRH.

The Premier’s office also said there was a process to go through and no timeline could be given on the investigation’s public release.

READ MORE:

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT ALL TASMANIAN CASES OF COVID-19

HOBART COUNCIL MEETING TO CONSIDER CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE

SCHOOL RETURNS BUT CLASSROOMS WILL BE ALMOST EMPTY

DAILY BLOG, APRIL 26: STATE’S 11TH CORONAVIRUS DEATH

The news came as Tasmania recorded its 11th coronavirus death – a man in his 90s who was being cared for by the Mersey Community Hospital after being transferred from Burnie.

All but one of the State’s fatal cases have been linked to the outbreak at the NWRH.

As of Sunday night, Tasmania has recorded 208 cases of the deadly infection and a significant jump in the rate of testing is likely to reveal more positive cases in the week ahead.

The latest case is a young health care worker at the Mersey Community Hospital.

Dr Veitch said tracing showed the man, in his 20s, had very few contacts but those identified had been advised and placed in quarantine.

Labor Leader Rebecca White said the report’s findings should be made publicly available as soon as possible.

“There is a high degree of public interest and it is important all Tasmanians are given information about the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.” Ms White said.

“It is also vital health facilities and professionals can access the findings so our health system can be supported to operate safely and put appropriate measures in place to protect our communities in the future.”

Labor also wants the government to expand COVID-19 testing to include locations such as supermarkets – starting in the North-West and then rolling out statewide.

Ms White said Tasmania should also follow the lead of NSW and establish a searchable database of COVID-19 cases for each postcode to provide greater transparency and help dispel community misinformation.

Greens’ health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the community needed transparency about what caused the North-West outbreak, and reassurance that the public health response ensured it could not happen again elsewhere.

“Tasmanians need to understand how such a large outbreak happened in two hospitals, and be clear about the steps being taken to rebuild a COVID-19 safe hospital system,’’ she said.