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Incoming passengers should get their Covid test results back far quicker after the island’s covid laboratory at the Airport started to process tests.
On Tuesday, 170 tests taken from passengers who arrived on the first three flights into the island were all processed locally, with results provided in an average of 12 hours.
Video: A look around the new lab.
Over the past four weeks, since the lab was set up in a car park by the Jersey Aero Club, checks have been carried out to make sure that all tests processed meet the required standard of clinical quality.
The laboratory will gradually increase processing volumes and the government aims for the processing of tests for all arriving passengers to be completed in the island within a month.
It hopes that the new laboratory will strengthen Jersey’s testing capability, with test results provided within 12 hours on average, allowing the island to identify positive cases more quickly and speed up the contact tracing process.
Pictured: Dr Ivan Muscat at the laboratory, which is in a car park near the Airport.
Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr Ivan Muscat, said: “The opening of the covid-19 laboratory is a significant milestone in managing Jersey’s testing requirements. It will not only increase our overall capacity but by reducing the time from when a test is taken to providing a result it reduces both risk and inconvenience.
“Importantly, processing tests locally also provides improved security going into the autumn and winter months.
“The setting up of the laboratory is a fantastic example of the collaborative efforts of colleagues from across the Government and partnering organisations who have worked tirelessly to deliver this solution for the benefit of the Island. I would like to thank the project team and everyone else involved for their hard work.”
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