(1) (a) The total number of outstanding tests fluctuates on a daily basis, mainly due to the increased community screening that was undertaken in the provinces with corresponding increase in demand for testing for persons under investigation. The number of outstanding COVID-19 tests as at 16 June 2020 in the public sector is currently 54 901, obtaining data from the private sector is proving difficult. The weekly outstanding tests are tabulated below, with backlogs being cleared:
09/05/20 |
14/05/20 |
21/05/20 |
25/05/20 |
28/05/20 |
04/06/20 |
09/06/20 |
10/06/20 |
11/06/20 |
16/06/20 |
|
Total |
49 550 |
58 930 |
101 000 |
96 480 |
83 767 |
81 069 |
70 219 |
63 244 |
57 034 |
54 901 |
(b) Currently the outstanding tests are about 107 hours old, this is approximately 4 and a half days.
(c) (i) The outstanding tests started in the first week of May 2020 when demand exceeded supply, this was due to:
(ii) The Republic has the capacity to undertake 30 000 tests per day, the key challenge being faced is the supply of chemicals and reagents to undertake the testing. Testing will be prioritised in the hotspot areas especially among the vulnerable persons (greater than 60 years of age and those with underlying medical conditions).
END.