Island's own COVID-19 test centre to open next week

Dedicated lab will improve sample processing capacity

The on-Island coronavirus testing facility is 'on track' to open on Monday next week, according to the Department of Health and Social Care. 

It will enable the microbiology lab at Noble's Hospital to process 220 test samples in a day. 

Chief Executive for DHSC is Kathryn Magson:

Plans for the centre were first announced last month after government established a dedicated triage point at the Grandstand and ramped up community testing.  

However, results are sent away to a facility in Manchester, before being received electronically 72 hours later.  

At the time of writing, the Island is managing an average of 55.5 tests a day, with 3rd April seeing the largest number of tests conducted with 153. 

However, the current rate is short of the government's aim of 60 a day. 

The average daily detection of COVID-19 stands is approximately 1 positive for every 12 tests.

If you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus you are asked to call the 111 helpline.