Drive-through sampling centre increases testing: Official

THE drive-through sampling centre at the Taurama Aquatic Centre needs to remain open to continue the swabbing conducted there in the past two weeks, an official says.
St John’s Ambulance chief executive officer Matt Cannon said it had to be closed yesterday because it needed the defence force medics to safely perform swabbing or sample collection.
“The drive-through sampling centre was actually a two-week pilot project funded by New Zealand government due to conclude today (yesterday),” Cannon said. “But we would have extended it pending funding agreement from the NCD Provincial Health Authority.
“We could not open today (yesterday) because the soldiers (medics) were not available.”
Cannon said they were working with the defence force to resolve the matter. “But we thank them for their incredible support over the last 10 days,” he said.
“So far, we have been able to do 478 swabs.”
Defence Force Commander Maj- Gen Gilbert Toropo said he was not aware of the two medics being withdrawn but would look into it.
Cannon warned that there would be a decrease in testing if the centre was closed. He said between 40 and 70 people were swabbed daily.
“If the centre closes, we will expect a significant decrease in testing which will result in people only getting treatment when they are very sick,” Cannon said.
“This could be too late for some and that might mean mortality increases.”