Should you get tested for COVID-19?

There are criteria as to who should, and who should not be tested. That is because, in a global pandemic such as this, key diagnostic tools such as the Covid-19 test kits are in very limited supply.

For this reason, an assessment preceding testing is important as it will ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment and that those in the greatest need are prioritised. It will also reduce the pressure on our hospitals and pathology labs.

If you are experiencing symptoms and have reason to suspect that you may have been in contact with someone who is infected, there are four courses of action you could take:

• Contact your GP and complete a telephonic assessment.

• Contact the COVID-19 risk-assessment team at Mediclinic Hermanus on 028 313 0168 / 082 785 5917 / 083 377 7843. You can also call the Mediclinic COVID-19 Hotline number on 0860 24 00 24.

• Contact your local hospital or clinic: Hermanus Provincial Hospital 028 312 1166 / 028 313 5200; CDC Clinic, Zwelihle 028 313 5700; Hawston Clinic 028 315 2063; Kleinmond Clinic 028 271 5807; Stanford Clinic 028 341 0945; Gansbaai Kliniek 028 384 1917.

• Complete an online assessment. Mediclinic has an online personal risk assessment tool at https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/corona-virus/covid-19-risk-assessmenttool.html. Fill in the fields and find out in a minute whether a test is necessary.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 2)