Hundreds more coronavirus tests to be done in Brisbane
Queensland Health is greatly expanding its ability to test for coronavirus, by moving the testing to its central pathology laboratory at Herston in Brisbane and automating the process.
Previously the testing for the novel coronavirus was done at the Forensic and Scientific Services facility at Coopers Plains, performed by hand by doctors working around the clock.
The state’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the testing would now be automated, allowing them to test up to 300 samples a day.
“This will be invaluable in our efforts to streamline the testing process so we can confirm or rule out coronavirus in a timely manner. This capacity will increase further if it is required,” Dr Young said in a statement.
Every Queensland public hospital is able to collect specimens for coronavirus testing, while a number of private pathology labs are also collecting samples.
Health Minister Steven Miles praised the work of doctors who were dealing with the coronavirus situation.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the testing would now be automated.Credit:AAP
“Queensland Health’s scientific and pathology staff have done a wonderful job,” Mr Miles said in a statement.
“They had plans in place for testing before this health emergency even reached Queensland and have been working around the clock to make sure we can identify cases quickly and act accordingly.”
Five people have now tested positive for coronavirus in Queensland, all members of a Chinese tour group.
A 37-year-old woman was confirmed on Thursday evening as being infected with the deadly virus, joining the four others, including a young boy, who have tested positive.
The nine-person tour group, including the five infected people, remains in isolation in Gold Coast University Hospital.
The number of confirmed cases in Australia now stands at 15: five in Queensland, four each in NSW and Victoria and two in South Australia.
Mr Miles on Thursday rushed an amendment through State Parliament granting the health officers three months to force suspected patients into quarantine or isolation, and undergoing medical checks and tests.