#Kingston, Jamaica, October 22, 2020 — The Government has commenced training for health workers in the administration of the antigen test, which is to be utilized to detect novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections.
Minister
of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, advised that the first
training session was held last week, adding that another is slated to be held
shortly which will also focus on protocols for personnel designated to
administer the test, among other procedures.
He
was speaking during the Ministry’s weekly COVID Conversations digital press conference
on Thursday (October 15).
Dr.
Tufton also advised that the Government is still awaiting the arrival of 80,000
antigen test kits, which were ordered through the Pan American Health
Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for delivery in October.
He
said it is anticipated that by month-end, “we would have been much clearer in
terms of when we will start [antigen testing]”.
“[The]
processes [that] have to take place and some of the variables [relating to
procurement and delivery] are not totally in our control. We have to depend on
PAHO to make their final arrangements for the movement [of the supplies],” Dr.
Tufton indicated.
The acquisition of kits for antigen
testing, which is a faster, simpler and more cost effective method for detecting
COVID-19, is being facilitated through a collaboration involving the Foreign
Commonwealth and Development Office and the United Nations.
Full implementation of the procedure
will involve all hospitals, major health centres and private sector
laboratories, including those in privately-operated medical facilities.
The test must be sanctioned by a
physician to whom the report on the result will be submitted, as well as the
Ministry of Health and Wellness.