Testing centre for essential workers launched
Essential workers were checked for Covid-19 yesterday after a drive-through test centre was launched.
However, David Burt, the Premier, said that sample collection at the multi-lane site in St David’s started late after some teething troubles.
He explained last night: “There were some hiccups in the beginning, but I’m told that things are in full swing now.”
Mr Burt said that testing for essential workers was arranged through employers, including the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Police Service and the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.
He added: “This testing will continue throughout this weekend.”
The Royal Gazette asked for more information about the “hiccups” and the number of tests carried out at the drive-through centre.
Mr Burt was unable to say how many tests had been done, but said it could be provided later.
He added that tests were expected to continue until 7pm.
Mr Burt said: “The hiccups were it just didn’t get started on time.
“I think they started a little bit late, but I know by the time I got there people were driving through and were being tested.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Health for working ... with the community doctors who were there swabbing.”
Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, said that “a number” of people from the uniformed services would be tested for Covid-19.
Mr Caines added: “Clearly, the ones that are on the frontline are the main people that will get tested.”
Mr Caines explained: “There is a computerised process of making appointments and we are following the process.
“We do know that there are people from the Ministry of Health that might want to be tested as well, so we are being flexible in that regard.”
Kim Wilson, the health minister, said that hospital workers had been tested for the coronavirus “continuously ... since we started the regime”.
Mr Burt said earlier that the drive-through tests were “made possible due to the dedicated efforts” of Bermudian biochemist Carika Weldon, of the world-rated Oxford University Hospitals, and “her team of young Bermudian scientists”.
