Hundreds of thousands of litres of hand sanitiser for hospitals, schools and other government services has been secured by the SA Government through a $2 million partnership with local company, Chesser Chemicals.
SA Premier Steven Marshall said through the partnership the government has 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.
“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,” Marshall said.
To help support the increased production, the local business has employed an additional 12 staff.
Earlier this month the government announced another partnership with SA-based packaging manufacturer Detmold Group to produce 145 million masks – 100 million for the national medical stockpile and 45 million for South Australia.
The company will over the coming months employ up to an extra 160 staff and will invest over $1 million in local supplies that will support other Australian businesses.
The contract with Chesser Chemicals comes as the state government also 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.
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.”
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at info@3.106.117.80.
Sign up to INCLEAN’s newsletter.
