Covid-19 crisis An anecdote of a disastrous covid testing protocol
My friend told me this anecdote of a disastrous covid testing protocol.

He know of a couple who as dance instructors. There were exposed to a colleague who was tested positive for covid. They carried out their self test using ART and the results came out positive. They isolated themselves for 14 day and later found the ART test to be negative. 

They went for a PCR test. My friend did not say whether it was a requirement of their work or they were playing safe.

Being foreigners they paid $350 for the test. I do not know if this is the charge for one person or for the couple - my friend was not sure either. 

The PCR test came out to be positive. The couple had to be isolated again for another 14 days. 

The couple asked why did the PCR tests showed a positive result when they had already isolated themselves for 14 days and were tested negative on ART?

My friend did not know the answer. He said that it was likely that the ART and PCR tests are not reliable. 

I do not know the answer either. I remember that these tests are not 100% accurate, so the results could fall within the margin of error. 

However, I am quite sure that the protocol had cause the couple to be placed under 28 days of isolation, resulting in a big loss of income and inconvenience to them. 

I have a strong view that the protocol is wasteful and unnecessary. 

I believe that the testing and isolation is not necessary. I am not sure how well it helped to stop the spread of the virus. Even if the virus, which is mild for asymptomatic people, is spread, it is not likely to cause other people to fall severely sick and need hospital treatment. 

I recall reading that most of the people who went through the isolation period completed the isolation with negative test results and did not fall sick themselves. 

Tan Kin Lian


 

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