Hundreds of thousands of litres of hand sanitiser for hospitals, schools and other government services has been secured by the Marshall Liberal Government.
It has been secured through a $2 million partnership with a local company to help safeguard supplies and protect those working on the frontline.
Premier Steven Marshall said today's announcement was part of the State Liberal Government's strong plan to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19.
"We know hand hygiene is an effective tool in limiting the spread of coronavirus and protecting South Australians from the devastating health impacts of the disease," Premier Marshall said.
"Through a partnership with South Australian family-run business Chesser Chemicals, we have been able to secure a weekly supply of 20,000 bottles of hand sanitiser to ensure ongoing supplies for hospitals, schools and other government services.
"In addition, there are also two container loads of hand sanitiser being delivered over the next two weeks, so South Australians and healthcare workers can feel reassured we have sufficient supply."
"To help support the increased production, the local business has employed an additional 12 staff.
"This is another example of South Australian manufacturing businesses being innovative and partnering with the State Government to find ways to fight this pandemic.
"Detmold will produce 145 million respirator and surgical masks to protect our doctors and nurses working on the frontline masks at their Brompton manufacturing plant.
"This is a disease that affects the whole community, and together, as a community, we will defeat it."
The contract with Chesser Chemicals comes as the Marshall Liberal Government today announced $10,000 emergency cash grants for tens of thousands of South Australian small businesses and not-for-profits that have suffered a significant loss of income or been forced to close as a result of necessary coronavirus-related restrictions.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade commended South Australians for their actions so far to slow the spread of the virus.
"We are ahead of the curve but we only got there by a range of tough restrictions. We must not be complacent. Now is not the time to take the foot off the break.
"Easter is a cross roads for the disease in South Australia. If South Australians do not maintain the high compliance with the restrictions, we risk another wave of infections and deaths.
"We have a strong plan which is helping to protect South Australians, but this is a nasty disease and we must continue to adhere to expert health advice in regard to hand hygiene and self-distancing."
SA Health's Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer, Jenny Hurley, said hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways of stopping the spread of infection.
"Washing hands with soap and water for 15-20 seconds is the best way to reduce germs on hands, and should always be encouraged over the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers outside of a healthcare setting," Ms Hurley said.
"When soap and water aren't readily available, alcohol-based hand sanitiser is a great option to help avoid spreading germs.
"Good hygiene practices like washing your hands regularly and covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other colds and flu."
SA Health has facilitated this partnership. For the latest information of coronavirus in SA, please visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019.
