Health Minister Roger Cook announces a world-first experimental trial using TB vaccine to prevent COVID-19, while confirming just one new local coronavirus case overnight.

In an effort to protect those on the frontline of the COVID-19 fight, Mr Cook has unveiled a new plan developed in partnership with the Telethon Children’s Institute to use a an old medicine for a new reason.

TB vaccines were given to most children up until a few decades ago, after which it was reserved for people mainly in developing countries.

But 20 years ago, a unique side effect of the vaccine was discovered- that it helped prevent other illnesses, particularly respiratory illnesses.

It comes as WA’s growth in cases remains low, with just one local case and three cases tied to the Artania confirmed overnight.

New Cases

Mr Cook confirmed the new local WA case was “a close contact of a known case”.

“We also confirmed three new cases from the good ship Artania,” he said.

“All new cases are between 31 and 58-years-old.”

The three new Artania cases join 72 other cases linked to the ship, along with 53 linked to the notorious Ruby Princess.

“We now have 527 cases in WA,” he said.

“209 of those are linked to cruise ships.”

There are just 19 patients recovering in hospital, of which 12 are in the ICU.

Influenza campaign to prevent a “double whammy” during flu season

Mr Cook also unveiled an influenza campaign, that would provide free shots to all primary-aged children.

The campaign will cost about $400,000, including advertising to remind people about immunisation.

“We’re had a tremendous uptake of people in the community for the influenza vaccine,” he said.

“If we have the double whammy of a bad influenza season and COVID-19 as well, that will have a devastating effect on our community.”

No expected re-start of non-urgent surgery

Concerns of casual nurses not having enough work, as non-elective surgeries remain on pause, were raised with Mr Cook, who said this would be looked at.

“But I don’t want to kick off any elective capacity if it’s going to compromise our capacity or take any necessary personal protective equipment that’s needed against the virus,” he said.

“Our health care workers are our highest priority, without our health care workers, we won’t have a health care system.”

Thousands of West Aussies tested

So far, 23,870 West Australians have tested negative to the virus, including almost 5,000 in regional and remote areas.

While confirming testing was down overnight, Mr Cook said this was only because of the Easter Break.

“Towards the end of last week, they were up and we expect them to be up again by the end of this week,” he said.

“We expect good numbers to go there again.”

Watch: Health Minister Roger Cook with an update on WA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

More Perth coronavirus news on SoPerth.com.au.