The Marshall Liberal Government today launched a multi-agency COVID-19 Command Centre to coordinate its whole-of-government response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Premier Steven Marshall said the launch was part of the Government's clear and strong plan to tackle the spread of the coronavirus and protect the health of South Australians.
"The health and wellbeing of South Australians remains our number one priority and our new Command Centre is an important step in our strong plan to protect and prepare families and businesses around the State," Premier Marshall said.
"We are laser focused on rolling out our plan to stay a head of the curve by implementing practical, sensible measures – and that's what we will continue to deliver.
"We are a government willing to do whatever it takes to manage these challenges, and are acting swiftly and decisively with our world class clinicians to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said planning had been done for a range of scenarios and preparations for dealing with the impact of the virus were well advanced.
"We are yet to see community transmission in South Australia so now is the time for South Australian communities to do what will have the biggest impact on lessening the disease in the State - practising social distancing and maintaining high levels of personal and household hygiene," Minister Wade said.
"Bringing the State Government's key agencies together as part of one team ensures high level expertise in the coordination of support for the South Australian community during the response to the virus.
The new COVID-19 Command Centre at SA Health headquarters will include key State Government agencies including:
Senior SA Health officials ·
South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) ·
South Australian Police (SAPOL) ·
South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) ·
South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service ·
Country Fire Service (CFS) ·
South Australian State Emergency Service (SA SES) ·
Department for Environment and Water
Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA).
The Centre will also bring together liaison officers for General Practice and the Commonwealth Primary Health Networks.
SA's Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Evan Everest, said the multi-agency COVID-19 Command Centre will be a key vehicle for determining high level decisions, enabling a rapid and coordinated whole-of-government response in the face of quickly evolving circumstances.
"This approach ensures the latest information is shared in a timely manner and all arms of the government sector are working together to mount an effective and sustainable response to this unprecedented challenge," Dr Everest said.
"This is certainly an increase to our coordinated efforts to manage the coronavirus outbreak in South Australia and will enable clear communication to the public about the latest updates."
The COVID-19 Command Centre will expand and evolve as needed in the rapidly changing environment.
For the latest information on COVID-19 in South Australia, visit the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019.
