Ministers statements: COVID-19
Mr ANDREWS (Mulgrave—Premier) (12:12): I rise to update the house on the ongoing impact of novel coronavirus or COVID-19. As many members would be aware and many in the community would be aware, the World Health Organization have made various declarations in relation to some now 90 000 confirmed cases and, tragically, the 3000 people who have died as a result globally of this virus. There has been and there will continue to be a huge and very significant impact not only on our part of the world and indeed our city and state but right across the globe. Whilst it is important to always follow advice and always be led by the facts of these matters and the experts in these matters, it would be irresponsible not to indicate that this is going to be in all likelihood a really significant challenge for our state. For businesses, for families, for our health system—both the health system that is run by the Victorian government but also local community pharmacies, local GP clinics and community health settings right across the state—this is going to be a very, very significant challenge for all of us. But I think with common sense, with a sense of purpose and unity and with the careful planning that has been done to this point and is being ramped up as we speak we are equal to that task of providing people with the information they need, the services and supports they need and ultimately the best care that they need.
It is equally important, though, that people play their part and, not unlike in bushfires, follow the instructions they are given, use common sense and be aware of their circumstances. If you qualify under the various instructions that have gone out to people to self-quarantine, do that, and take that seriously—not just for your own health but for the health of family members, loved ones, the vulnerable in the community and the broader Victorian community.
Today we visited the Doherty and promised $6 million in additional funding for world-leading research—not just research for us but research for the world. We are equal to this challenge.