More testing possible with ‘COVID drive-thru’
After the Easter weekend the Public Health Department of the OLB starts, in association with Fundashon Mariadal, testing by means of a ‘COVID drive-thru’. Thus far tests were only taken from the patient at home, but with this new method Bonaire now wants to test as many people as possible with as little exposure of residents and medical staff as possible. The introduction of the drive-thru is in line with the plan to actively look for coronavirus in order to obtain clarity whether or not the virus is present on Bonaire.
From Tuesday April 14 up to and including Friday April 17 a large tent is set up where the tests can be taken whilst the people stay in their car. The entrance of the drive-thru is at the Kaya Soeur Bartola, behind the playground. The tent is located further ahead at the car park. When you drive into the tent, an employee takes a swab. This is done by swabbing a cotton swab through the throat and nose of the patient. A second employee registers your personal and other data. The tested people then receive a folder about how and when they shall receive the test result. A maximum of two people per car can be tested.
People who have symptoms like a slightly raised temperature or fever, coughing, starting cough or unpleasant tingle in the throat can register by telephone via telephone number 7158900, extension 1649, from Tuesday morning April 14 during office hours. The nurse then asks a number of questions and schedules an appointment when the person can report at the test location. The test hours are daily from 16:00 to 18:00 o’clock, only by appointment. This applies to both adults and children. Should it become apparent during the telephone conversation that the suspicion of COVID-19 is very strong then the patent shall receive separate instructions.