Wait time for COVID test results now 2 to 3 weeks; Doctors concerned

The Ministry has admitted to the backlog and has indicated that it is now seeking the help of the Caribbean Public Health Agency to clear the backlog of hundreds of samples that have been taken but are still to be tested.

Wait time for COVID test results now 2 to 3 weeks; Doctors concerned

With the move by the Ministry of Health to increase testing for COVID-19, it has resulted in a growing backlog of tests still to be completed and many doctors in the public health care system are concerned.

The Ministry has admitted to the backlog and has indicated that it is now seeking the help of the Caribbean Public Health Agency to clear the backlog of hundreds of samples that have been taken but are still to be tested.

The situation has become worrying for medical doctors who are concerned about the long wait.

News Source has spoken to a number of persons who indicated today that they have been waiting on their test results for more than two weeks. A Georgetown resident said a swab sample was taken from him since the 18th August and he has still not received his test results.

He said repeated checks with the health officials have created more frustration for him since he has been in self-isolation since the sample was taken.

“I just don’t know what more to do. Whenever I call, I am told to wait and wait and there is no clear answer”, the man complained.

News Source understands that doctors at one of the public health facilities in the country were forced to clear a patient themselves as she was isolated at a government facility for two weeks without receiving her test results.

Some persons have taken their concerns to social media about the situation.

A senior medical official, who asked not to be named, said while the increase in testing was commendable, any increase in medical testing must be matched by capacity.

The official said if it is that the virus could run its course within two weeks, then persons ought not be waiting two weeks for the results since by the time they get the results back, they could either be cleared of the virus or in a serious health crisis.

There is also growing concern about the number of persons being allowed to home isolate after being tested positive.

Based on the Ministry of Health’s dashboard, which was released this evening, there are 477 positive cases in home isolation with 71 other persons in a government-run facility.

The number of positive cases allowed to home isolate is also causing a headache for many doctors who said one has to simply hope that those allowed to home isolate are doing just that and not spreading the virus by leaving their homes.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login