Practice by businesses causing unnecessary pressure on testing centres
admin 
The Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth George is advising operators of businesses that it is unnecessary and counterproductive to shut down their operations and send their entire staff to be tested each time they learn of a confirmed positive or suspected case of COVID-19 among their employees.
He says this practice has resulted in unnecessary pressure on testing centres and personnel at the Best-dos Santos Public Health Lab, often thwarting their effort to return results within the promised 24 to 48 hours.
The CMO adds protocols for testing have been worked out based on scientific analysis, with priority being given to primary contacts.
If there is a confirmed or suspected case, management of the organisation is advised to call the Medical Officer of Health at the polyclinic in their catchment area.
The Ministry of Labour, Social Partnership Relations and the Third Sector, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has created a Workplace Guidance Protocol Document that is to be discussed with members of the social partnership on Monday at 2.30 p.m.
