GMOA disappointed testing for COVID-19 remains low

• Says it has repeatedly called for more testing since 21 March
• Insists country at point where increased screening is vital
• Warns community spread cannot be avoided without screening more people

The GMOA yesterday said that nine days after it recommended that health authorities take measures to widen the screening of persons for COVID-19, no proper measures have yet been put in place.

In its COVID-19 situational report released last evening, the GMOA said it has informed authorities about the methodology to be followed to increase the numbers of persons being tested, while the necessary technical advice too has been obtained, but the delay in starting this program is puzzling.

The GMOA said that the country has reached a point where it is imperative that testing be expanded, and the Association has since 31 March repeatedly called for increase in such numbers .

“All those who suspect they may be infected, as well as all those who are in quarantine centres and those who have been in contact with them have to be tested,” the GMOA said.

The GMOA warned that if testing is not intensified, the community spread of COVID-19 cannot be stopped.