BAHA Is Not Process COVID-19 Tests

Francisco Gutierrez

Viewers may recall that a few months ago, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority and the Ministry of Health and Wellness entered into an agreement to use BAHA’s labs for COVID-19 testing.  However, since the number of active cases has dropped significantly, the agency is not currently processing any COVID-19 tests.  Acting Managing Director of BAHA, Francisco Gutierrez says the lab is standing by if needed.

Francisco Gutierrez, Acting Managing Director, BAHA

“We did preliminary testing and it worked really well. We do have very good laboratory capacity and trained personnel. Because the demand for testing really went down with the cases then the Ministry is still coping on that. In the interim, we are still working within the Ministry to fine tune the testing on our end. But yes we can support it. But if there is an incremental incident of the disease we can chip in. At the moment we are not doing it. We are still waiting for a re-agents here and there and fine turning some of the test, because we have slightly different equipment. But that we can do it, yes we are capable.”

Paul Lopez

“Did the ministry ever do any sort of mass testing?”

Francisco Gutierrez

“It was just a preliminary adjustment of the equipment. But we are practically ready right now.”

Paul Lopez

“What is the capacity for testing?”

Francisco Gutierrez

“I wouldn’t be able to tell you precisely how many test we can do for the day. But certainly it is going to be very beneficial and helpful to any outbreak situation we may have in the near future.”