Belize Running Low on Viral Swabs

Marvin Manzanero

There will be an increase in sampling and testing countrywide especially in the Cayo and Corozal Districts for the COVID-19 virus. However, supplies such as swabs to collect samples are running low. This will restrict the amount of testing that Belize can do but according to Director of Health Services Doctor Marvin Manzanero, officials here are working with PAHO to acquire a batch of viral swabs as early as next week.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“Just like in the region we are running low in the viral swabs which are the specific lab equipment that you use to be able to take a viral swab. We are trying to outsource that. We thought that we could have gotten a batch next week. We are working with the PAHO regional office but all countries are having difficulty in terms of accessing those viral swabs.”