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Covid-19 Tests

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (744)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

744. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the new criteria for Covid-19 testing; and if he will provide a report in relation to a number of areas related to testing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9591/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A robust and real-time process of testing, isolation and contact tracing is central to our public health strategy for containing and slowing the spread of COVID-19, as advocated by WHO, EC and ECDC. Decisions on the criteria for testing are made by NPHET and are informed by international guidance including from the WHO and ECDC.

The criteria for testing is as follows: A patient with acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of at least one of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath) AND with no other aetiology that fully explains the clinical presentation”.

On 28 May, NPHET agreed in principle to include in the case definition the sudden loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia). This decision was subject to updated guidance from the ECDC and the ECDC published its updated case definition on 29 May. This can be found here:

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/covid-19/surveillance/case-definition

In addition, all close contacts are now being tested twice (regardless of whether they have any symptoms) and contacted on a daily basis to monitor symptom development.

The criteria for testing in Long Term Care Facilities is broader than that above in recognition that the elderly may not display typical Covid-19 symptoms. Up to date criteria for testing can be found on the HPSC website.

Testing criteria is kept under review by NPHET as NPHET considers how best to target testing capacity. Our testing strategy will continue to evolve and will be based on public health risk assessments.

Turnaround times are improving rapidly thanks to process improvements and automation. Across community and hospital settings, overall end-to-end median turnaround times (meaning referral to contact tracing complete) last week for positive results was 2.3 days. The end-to-end turnaround time for negative test results is 2 days or less.

With regard to the number of contacts each positive case had, over the last 4 weeks (to 23 May) the median number of close contacts per case is 2. Typically contact tracing is completed on a same day or next day basis.

I am confident that the HSE is putting in place the measures to further reduce turnaround times and we are seeing continuing improvement. The HSE continues to streamline the process and to automate where possible. A range of process optimisation measures are being put in place, including automated swab appointments; offering the option to receive positive test results by text and enabling out of hours referrals. These are in addition to measures already in place including IT improvement, automation processes, and streamlined transportation logistics.

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