6. Question No. 6—HealthHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 6—Health6. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Health: What is the best estimate of the number of COVID-19 testing kits currently available for use in New Zealand and is he satisfied that is sufficient to meet projected demand?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Internationally COVID-19 outbreaks are testing the capacity of even the most prepared health systems. That's why we are putting such a strong focus on stamping out the sporadic cases we've seen in New Zealand to flatten and supress the curve and reduce pressure on our health service. Testing kits are comprised of various components including swabs probes primers and enzymes. I'm advised that we have around 30000 swabs in New Zealand with 90000 more on order. I'm also advised we have sufficient supply of reagent for the near future and we have more on order and we're expecting that to arrive soon. As part of the $500 million investment in health announced earlier this week $5 million has already been allocated to increasing testing capacity. Specialised testing machines are critical. An additional machine is expected to arrive shortly at the Auckland laboratory. Most importantly testing capacity relies on highly skilled technicians to perform the tests and interpret the results. We now have four laboratories in operation across New Zealand. Finally I'm advised that in the 24 hours to midnight last night more than 1000 tests for COVID-19 were performed. I want to take this time now to thank the hard-working laboratory staff that are doing this important work.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Are reports of global test kit shortages accurate and if so what measures if any is he taking to reduce the impact on New Zealand?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: We are putting a strong focus on stamping out the sporadic cases we've seen in New Zealand to flatten and suppress the curve and reduce pressure on our health services. We are working of course to ensure we have all of the necessary components of testing kits and I've given the member indications around the fact that we have sufficient orders and I'm advised that we have sufficient stocks currently. Of course we are looking to make sure that is the case into the future.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does he believe that testing according to the current case definition criteria of close contact with an infected person and symptoms will prevent a sustained community outbreak?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The things that will prevent an outbreak are people taking the public health advice seriously. That includes not going out when they're ill observing the self-isolation requirements in New Zealand for travellers washing of hands regularly sneezing into elbows. Those are the measures that will prevent community outbreaks.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does he agree that the number of close contacts of the 28 confirmed cases are the equivalent of less than two days of testing capacity and does he agree that testing them notwithstanding they might not have symptoms is prudent?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Could the member please repeat that question?Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does he agree that the number of close contacts of the 28 confirmed cases number the equivalent of fewer than two days' testing capacity and does he agree that testing them notwithstanding that they might not have symptoms is prudent?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I will answer that question as best as I understand it.SPEAKER: I'm actually going to ask the member to ask it again because I think it could have been clearer.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Can he confirm that the close contacts of the 28 confirmed cases number between 1000 and 2000—less than two days' testing capacity—and would he not agree that it would be prudent to test them notwithstanding that most of them will not be symptomatic?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Of the 28 cases we have so far I would note that they've come in over many weeks and many of the close contacts have long since been followed up with.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Who decided the 150 children at Logan Park High School and their teachers would be tested and are all of them symptomatic?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Clinical experts advised that this was a unique circumstance and that it was appropriate to test in this case.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Well will he join me in encouraging those clinical experts to continue to take a broader approach to testing to reduce the likelihood of a community outbreak and providing peace of mind to the public?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I will continue to encourage the clinical experts to use their clinical expertise and not the judgment of politicians.