State's plan to find asymptomatic coronavirus carriers
Western Australia has announced plans to expand testing students for COVID-19 to FIFO workers.
Last week, the state government launched DETECT in 80 schools across WA and it involved testing staff and students for coronavirus who don’t show any symptoms at all.
It will allow authorities to identify asymptomatic cases or people who don’t exhibit any of coronaviruses symptoms such as fever and dry cough.
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WA Premier Mark McGowan told reporters on Wednesday the study allows authorities “to learn how about COVID-19 by undertaking testing in key sections of our community”.
“We'll roll out the study to test FIFO workers in Western Australia's resources sector not displaying any symptoms,” Mr McGowan said.
“If they're displaying symptoms, people are tested but this study will test those who are not displaying any symptoms. Resources companies like Chevron, or including Chevron, Woodside, Mineral Resources, Rio Tinto, and BHP will all participate.
“It's expected that nearly 30,000 tests will be conducted during the life of this project.”
Mr McGowan said the testing will also provide greater clarity “around possible undetected community transmission”.
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Al Williams, the CEO of Chevron Australia, said “it is a big step and an important step”.
“This way, we can help the community better understand, manage and mitigate the further spread of the virus,” Mr Williams said.
As of Wednesday, WA currently has 14 confirmed cases of coronavirus with no new ones.
“That's now seven full days of no cases, which is amazing and incredible and terrific for our state,” Mr McGowan said.
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