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The Government has pleaded for patience after technical problems at a laboratory led to delays in processing more than 2,000 covid tests.
In a statement on social media posted shortly before 23:00 last night, it said: “Technical problems at the Open Cell laboratory have led to delays with testing covid samples.
“More than 2,000 tests are now awaiting analysis and staff will tackle the backlog as soon as the problem is fixed.
“If you are waiting for a test result, please be patient. Your result may be delayed.”
It added: “We are sorry about this, and are working to fix the problem as quickly as possible.”
Technical problems at the Open Cell lab have led to delays with testing Covid samples. More than 2,000 tests are now awaiting analysis. If you are waiting for a test result, please be patient. We are sorry about this, and are working to fix the problem as quickly as possible.
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) October 1, 2021
An update on the matter is yet to be issued this morning.
Open Cell's flatpack Covid Testing lab was first brought to Jersey in August 2020, to speed up the Government's rapid testing regime.
Previously, tests had to be processed off-island. Introducing the lab meant that Jersey was able to increase on-island testing capacity to 2,000 daily and slash waiting times for results.
Since April, the lab has also been processing commercial tests, having struck a deal with local pharmacies. It pledges results in 12 hours or less.
Recently, the turnaround time for PCR test results has been around seven hours.
Pictured: The Chief Minister in the Open Cell testing lab, which was first brought to Jersey in summer 2020 to assist with the Government's testing regime.
Inbound travel has accounted for more than half of all testing in Jersey since July 2020.
All travellers arriving at the island’s border must currently undergo a PCR swab test, and only those who are not vaccinated against covid need to quarantine until their result.
Anyone who has symptoms of covid can now book a PCR test online.
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