South Australia’s COVID-19 testing blitz finishes today with the State leading the nation in the number of per capita tests for the virus with 57,389 samples taken.
More than 3.2 per cent of South Australians have now been tested for COVID-19, significantly higher than all other states and triple Western Australia’s testing rate of 1.4 per cent.
Our successful testing blitz will now be ongoing for anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms, no matter how mild, and expanded to include anyone with unexplained loss of taste or smell.
“Testing has been the cornerstone of the State Government’s strong plan to protect South Australians during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Premier Steven Marshall.
“South Australia’s world class testing regime has been critical in our success that has seen the state not record a new case of COVID-19 for seven days running.”
Minister Wade said South Australia has flattened the curve, pushed out the peak and at the moment we have growth of the virus flatlining.
“Our testing rate of 32,672 per million people makes South Australia a world leader in the protection of its citizens from the threat of COVID-19,” said Minister Wade.
“The World Health Organisation urged countries to test, test, test to control the virus and that is exactly what we have done in South Australia with 52,657 individuals being tested.
“To date just 0.02 per cent of the South Australian population has tested positive to COVID-19.”
Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said her team will now finalise plans to begin random testing of people without symptoms in key groups, such as health and aged care workers.
“I wish to thank everybody who came forward over the last two weeks to be tested – you are doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in South Australia,” Dr Spurrier said.
“Our record levels of testing combined with a milestone seven days with no new positive cases puts us in a very strong position compared to other locations across the globe.
“At this critical juncture I ask everyone to remain alert, keep practicing social distancing and good hygiene and please come forward for testing if you develop any cold or flu-like symptoms, no matter how mild.”
Individuals with symptoms should contact their GP by phone about getting tested for COVID-19 or visit a dedicated COVID-19 clinic.
The latest COVID-19 Public Health Alert, which is sent to South Australian GPs and hospital doctors, will be published on the SA Health website at .
For the latest information on coronavirus in South Australia, visit the SA Health website at or phone the SA COVID-19 Information line on1800 253 787.
Key statistics for South Australia’s COVID-19 testing:
* 57,389 COVID-19 samples taken
* 52,657 individual patients tested
* 32,672 tests per million people
* Over 3 per cent of the population tested
* 0.02% of SA population has tested positive
* Hampstead drive-through clinic recorded the highest amount of tests during the blitz (1,889)
