{"id":109161,"date":"2020-04-06T06:05:56","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T10:05:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=109161"},"modified":"2020-04-06T06:05:56","modified_gmt":"2020-04-06T10:05:56","slug":"local-covid-19-testing-is-now-available","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/local-covid-19-testing-is-now-available\/","title":{"rendered":"Local COVID-19 Testing Is Now Available"},"content":{"rendered":"
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(Cabinet Notes)<\/p>

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The Minister of Health provided an update on the situation as pertains to the status of the Covid-19 impact on Antigua and Barbuda, the readiness and the planned reaction as the data are examined.<\/p>\n

The COVID-19 tests that have been undertaken by CARPHA in Trinidad will be replaced by local testing since the reagents are now landed, the laboratory has been certified, and the technicians have been and are being trained.<\/p>

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The number of persons who have been found positive, and the numbers that are either in isolation or in quarantine in Antigua were reported.<\/p>

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The Minister noted that CARPHA treats tests that prove negative, especially when the negative number exceeds tests that prove positive, as a signal of inefficient use of its resources.<\/p>\n

In the last batch sent to CARPHA from Antigua, more than 50% of the samples proved negative, the Minister pointed out.<\/p>

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Although 1,500 testing kits have been provided by the People\u2019s Republic of China, and 50 of a donation of 1,000 have also arrived, others will arrive next Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Still, there will be judicious use of the resources since no-one knows how long this crisis will persist. Aprons, gloves for both surgical and isolation use are in good supply; masks PPEs and shoe covers are also in sufficient supply.<\/p>

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There are 70 rooms at MSJMC for COVID patients should the need arise; 17 isolation rooms at Margetson Ward at the old Holberton, 72 rooms at the old air Force Base,\u00a0 and 75 beds for quarantine at the NTTC.<\/p>

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The extent of the readiness can only be surpassed if there is community spread of Covid-19; every effort is geared towards encouraging all residents of Antigua to practice good social distancing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Cabinet Notes) The Minister of Health provided an update on the situation as pertains to the status of the Covid-19 impact on Antigua and Barbuda, the readiness and the planned reaction as the data are examined. 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