21,000 COVID-19 Test Kits in Country

Marvin Manzanero

At the top of newscast we told you about the forty-four new COVID-19 cases confirmed today. And as the cases continue to grow, routine testing is not available. The tests will be used for those persons who are symptomatic close contacts and belong to vulnerable, high risk groups.  Presently, the ministry reports having twenty-one thousand test kits available. Here’s Doctor Marvin Manzanero on testing capabilities in country.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“In terms of test kits, we have continued to receive those. I believe we are now at twenty-one thousand PCR testes and further items are coming in through UNICEF for specific populations. We have gotten a note that there is a potential to get more reactions as well.   We are also aware that in private sector, they are able to do PCR tests or swabs , providing that there is a situation where people require that and those tests are going to be routinely sent to the Ministry of Health of processing. The Ministry is not charging a fee for any of the PCR tests that are being done regardless of where they come from. We need to specify that because people are asking if there is a cost. People have been asking if they pay if they would get results quicker or if they go to private sector and pay they would get samples quicker. We are not doing that for the time being.”