Thu | Mar 28, 2024

View antigen testing as a screening process

Published:Wednesday | January 13, 2021 | 12:17 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I read the article on the front page of The Sunday Gleaner with some concern. The fact is, the “black market” providers of the COVID-19 testing are, in reality, the only option that the average citizen or company has to get tested.

The Government’s failure to have adequate testing facilities approved has driven the practice to the black market without due cause.

Through personal experience, I am aware of situations where persons who had mild symptoms decided to get a black-market test, and these showed positive. They were directed on the procedures for isolation and immediately referred to the Ministry of Health and Wellness for government-approved testing. The earliest date received for the testing was two days later.

The antigen testing needs to be viewed as a screening process and should be treated no different than a pregnancy test available at a pharmacy. Thereafter, a medical doctor handles the full testing for confirmation and the treatment aspect of the diagnosis.

The failure to provide AFFORDABLE testing is fuelling the lack of testing. Due to asymptomatic cases, everyone should be tested, not only persons with symptoms.

A WILLING TEST SUBJECT