North West coast to undergo testing blitz as state reaches 165 cases of COVID-19

The North West coast will undergo a testing blitz as keyboard warriors and Facebook experts come under fire.

THE North West coast will undergo a testing blitz as keyboard warriors and Facebook experts come under fire.

Premier Peter Gutwein in his daily update to the public said the blitz on the North West coast will expand to anyone with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms – but those affected must contact the public hotline [phone]).

Mr Gutwein also took aim at “keyboard warriors” on Facebook who he says have unfairly taken aim at health care workers in the North West, after an outbreak was declared last week.

Yesterday Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy told a committee the outbreak was linked to a party involving health care workers in the North West.

“There are processes underway and we will get to the bottom of how this outbreak has occurred,” Mr Gutwein said.

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“While we take the necessary steps to understand where this outbreak has come from and I want North Westers to pause for a moment and reflect.

“These are the people (health care workers) that have supported them ... they should be acknowledged for what they’ve done.”

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said an increased testing capacity in the North West means 500 residents can be tested, per day.

“We know that capacity can expand further. We have additional technology on the way ... we can test more, but what we need is people in the community to ring the public health hotline or tell your GP if you have symptoms,” she said.

“We urge North West Tasmanians to take up this opportunity.

“We have already offered testing to all the staff of the North West Regional Hospital and the North West Private Hospital.”

Ms Courtney said an additional drive-through facility will open in the state’s North West today at the Parkside medical complex.

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said the additional 15 cases brought the total number of cases to 165.

“Those 15 cases was the highest number diagnosed in any single day in Tasmania since the start of this pandemic,” Dr Veitch said.

Dr Veitch put this down to the magnitude of testing in the North West, with about 150 tests undertaken yesterday.