CMO: Symptomatic people refusing to be tested

People with symptoms have refused to submit to swab tests for the covid19 virus at various health facilities but the Ministry of Health remains committed to testing as many people as possible.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram, responding to a question about fewer tests being done over the last few weeks, said the ministry continues to test everyone, including those “with the littlest symptoms.”

He said there has not been a decrease in the number of swab tests done.

He was speaking during Wednesday’s virtual press conference. Parasram said patients will also be tested for H1N1, H3N2 and other influenza-type viruses once there is a positive covid19 test, because the symptoms are similar.

He said there is no mandatory swabbing for parents whose children have tested positive unless they present symptoms of the virus.

"We can't force anyone to be swabbed. What we can advise is people to self-quarantine for a period of time where you won't spread the virus (if you indeed have it). That's what we normally do if someone refuses to swab."