40 Tobago community samples sent to CARPHA

Community surveillance testing for covid19 is being actively conducted in Tobago, according to the Senior Corporate Communications Officer at the THA Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development, Rion George.

Speaking with Newsday on Wednesday, George said 40 surveillance swabs were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

“As at yesterday (Tuesday), 40 surveillance swabs were sent to CARPHA and 23 tested negative. The other 17 haven’t been returned as yet,” George said.

On Tuesday, Minority Councillor Dr Faith BYisrael called on Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine to reveal the number of community samples tested for covid19 in Tobago. Her request came after the Prime Minister announced the first phase of the reopening of the country, allowing food establishments to do business.

BYisrael questioned whether Tobago had sufficient data on community testing to lift restrictions.

Speaking earlier in the day, CMO Dr Roshan Parasram announced that as of last Saturday, a total of 687 community samples were submitted and returned negative.

In a press release on Wednesday, the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development said community surveillance testing for covid19 has been increased and is being actively conducted at selected sites throughout Tobago.

It noted that anyone with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, muscle pains, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever, headache, loss of smell, loss of taste, or just generally feeling unwell, is being encouraged to visit any of the sites to be tested.

The testing sites include walk-in service at the Canaan Health Centre, Roxborough Health Centre, Scarborough Health Centre and the Scarborough General Hospital. The Green Room at the old Scarborough Regional Hospital, Fort King George and the Delaford Health Centre are available by appointment only.