The Department of Health has announced that people in vulnerable groups who show no COVID-19 symptoms can now be tested for the Coronavirus under the Government’s DETECT Snapshot.
These groups include the Department’s own workers, police staff, meat workers, supermarket and retail staff, and hospitality workers.
Minister for Health, Roger Cook said the State continued to be in the enviable position of having no sustained community transmission.
“This series of testing will provide a better understanding of any COVID-19 that may be in the community,” Mr Cook said.
“Participation is voluntary and open to adults who work in the identified groups, selected mainly for their frequent interaction with the public during COVID-19 or where documented outbreaks have occurred in other jurisdictions.”
He said testing would be available State-wide from COVID-19 testing clinics, a drive-through facility in Burswood, and a range of publicly and privately operated pathology providers.
“Those tested will be able to resume normal activities immediately and will be informed of a negative result via SMS,” Mr Cook said.
“Anyone who tests positive will be followed up in line with existing Public Health procedures, including isolation and identification of any contacts for follow-up and quarantine.”
He said DETECT Snapshots would further improve understanding of COVID-19 and provide the public with additional confidence that the chances of being exposed to the virus remained low.
