And, as the number of cases increases with this Omicron wave that is upon us- the question is, do we have enough tests for the coming COVID storm? Tests are in very high demand worldwide - and with the simultaneous arrival of this latest wave, along with the tourist high season - where every single traveller has to take a test before returning to their country of origin - we wondered if this important tool will be in sufficient supply here in Belize. We asked Technical Advisor Dr. Natalia Largaespada Beer yesterday:
Dr. Natalia L. Beer, Ministry of Health and Wellness
"So the need for testing has increased worldwide, so accessing tests at this point is not that easy and there may be tests with a higher sensitivity, but we have to work with what we have and as we often say if you have any signs and symptoms that may be compatible with Covid19 get tested."
Jules Vasquez
"Do we have sufficient testing materials for the next 2 months, because we know that indeed it may be an onslaught in terms of the number of infections and then we have every tourist has to take a test 24 hours before they leave, it's also the coincidence with the high season as well as the coincidence with the regular flu season. Do we have enough tests to see us through these next few months?"
Dr. Natalia L. Beer, Ministry of Health and Wellness
"From the first notice of Omicron being cause of infections among persons, we have been procuring or started the process to procure more covid19 testing kits, so we don't foresee that there will be a shortage of covid19 test. I don't think in the next 2 months."
Jules Vasquez
"Which test do we have and might we be having a large number of false negative if they are not the most sensitive or acute test?"
Dr. Natalia L. Beer, Ministry of Health and Wellness
"So even though we may have tests that is not the best quality, we have to get the population to do their part and we just can't say the test is not sufficiently sensitive so why use it. No, we must use it, because its the only way we can find out who is positive and then work with them to get them off the streets."
