There are more than 3 800 COVID-19 tests still to be processed by the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory.
According to the COVID Communications Unit, 7 489 samples were collected between January 7 and 10, 2021 and 5 440 tests were completed, with 2 049 still to be done. Another 1 808 remained to be processed from the 4 046 collected between January 11 and 14, a total of 3 857 outstanding.
The lab continues to run a dual system and is operating around the clock.
“In keeping with the science and medical advice on the pattern of the illness and contagion risks, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is now offering rapid antigen testing and release to persons who have spent between 10 to 14 days in quarantine and whose rapid tests yield a negative result. This will apply to all travellers currently in quarantine, Barbadians and non-nationals,” the release said.
Meanwhile, Barbados’ total COVID-19 cases increased to 1 095 after 88 new positive results (51 on Thursday and 37 on Friday) were recorded. These comprise an equal number of men and women, and include 33 from Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds. Fourteen people were released from isolation and 29 were sent for assessment.
As at 7 a.m. Saturday, there were 312 people in Government isolation facilities. At Harrison’s Point in St Lucy, there were 120 people (16 in primary, 19 in secondary, 29 in tertiary and six in private). There were 15 at Blackman & Gollop Primary School and 178 male inmates at Dodds. Ten people were discharged from the school, 73 from the prison and 34 more were pending from the latter facility.
Overall, the lab conducted 87 421 tests. Of the total cases, 656 are male and 439 are female. There are 609 people in isolation and 497 people recovered. The number of deaths remain at seven. (PR/SAT)
