NZ Medical Association chair, Dr Alistair Humphrey says today’s 3,000,000 COVID-19 test milestone is a testament to the resilience of the nation’s dedicated health teams.
He said the three millionth COVID PCR test had been carried out today.
“It’s not glamourous or cool, and it’s certainly not easy. It’s demanding, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s exhausting,” Dr Humphrey said.
“But it is absolutely essential, because it helps identify those cases of COVID-19 in the community so authorities can act quickly to isolate them and trace contacts.
“Without our testing regime, we would be a in a far worse position – as we have seen overseas.
“I take my hat off to them – and every Kiwi should as well. They are heroes.”
According to the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science (NZIMLS), the first COVID PCR test in New Zealand was performed in late January 2020, the 1 millionth test on the 11th October 2020, the 2 millionth test on 25th April 2021 and the 3 millionth test today.
Since the nationwide Level 4 lockdown on 17th August there have been over 420,000 COVID PCR tests performed.
Dr Humphrey said many NZMA members are involved in testing, as well as being involved in the vaccination programme.
“Many of them are working long hours in difficult circumstances but are absolutely driven to stamp out COVID-19 in our community and keep everyone safe.
“Let’s all take a moment today to give thanks – silent or vocal – to everyone in the frontline fight COVID-19.”
