Coronavirus

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:11): My question again is to the Premier. Can the Premier assure South Australians that all necessary medicine, supplies and equipment have been stockpiled to ensure our health system is prepared for a prolonged coronavirus outbreak?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:11): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. As he would be aware, there is no specific treatment for the coronavirus. That is being developed at this stage. We note that there have been Australian laboratories that have been doing work on this, but to date there has been no vaccine that has been produced, so there is nothing to stockpile from that perspective.

I think that the Leader of the Opposition may also be aware that today there was a significant announcement from the health minister and the human services minister with regard to the flu vaccine this year. We want to make sure that we send a message that the very best thing that we can be doing in this state to remain healthy at the moment is for people to have that inoculation, especially if they fall within those cohorts who are most susceptible to the flu. This year more than ever, it is extraordinarily important to make sure that we observe all the alerts that are being provided by SA Health, that we have that flu inoculation or vaccine if appropriate and that we take all necessary precautions in this state.

I certainly haven't had any indication that there is a shortage of any medical supplies that might be necessary. If that is brought to my attention, I will make sure that we do everything we can to make sure we are as prepared as possible in South Australia.