COVID-19 mobile testing unit deployed to Diamond

– available until Sunday

Residents of Diamond, East Bank Demerara can obtain a COVID-19 PCR test at the mobile testing unit stationed within the compound of the New Diamond Primary School.

The Ministry of Health deployed the unit on Saturday and it will remain there until Sunday.

Head of the mobile testing unit, Dr. Sarah Benjamin said Saturday’s exercise was designed to further detect unconfirmed cases in Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four) due to the region’s hotspot status.

“We decided to have this exercise done to capture persons that would have been in contact or that are considered primary contact with persons tested positive, and also persons having symptoms of the COVID-19 infection,” Dr. Benjamin explained.

She added that she, “Would expect that persons take this as an opportunity to come out to get tested and know their status.”

Dr. Benjamin underscored that most people do not know the status of the people near them.

“If we safeguard ourselves, we can safeguard our community,” she said.  

Residents who visit the mobile testing unit will be required wear masks and sanitise their hands upon entry, after which they will be screened by health professionals.

At a testing booth, a nasal swab will be taken and residents will be advised to remain on home quarantine until they are notified of their results by a healthcare professional.

Dr. Benjamin further advised that citizens follow the health guidelines set out by the National COVID-19 Task Force and the Ministry. Last evening, the Government released the new COVID-19 Emergency Measures for November 2020.