Smooth process for free testing - The Nassau Guardian

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022 | 07:25 AM

Lines were long at the newly-opened free rapid antigen COVID testing centers on New Providence yesterday, as new case numbers continued to mount across The Bahamas.

At Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium, where walk-up testing was being conducted, the lines moved quickly and many of the people who went through the process said it was fast and smooth.

Sean Russell, who said he was getting tested because he had travel plans, said the new program is a relief.

"It's an excellent idea, really excellent," he said.

He added, "... Doing this right now, it's a relief to everyone that these things are being implemented."

Tamanica Bethel said she was grateful for the free option.

"It was fast and it was good," she said.

She added, "It's wonderful because some people only make $50 a day and if they charge them $40 for a test, this is excellent."

Kesha Missick said the entire process took just a few minutes for her.

"It's fairly easy, in and out," she said.

"It takes less than five minutes.

"They check you in, you sanitize, they call you when they're available, swab you and that's it."

The free testing program, which was a campaign promise of the Davis administration, was launched on the island last week, following pilot programs in the Family Islands.

Last week, Office of the Prime Minister Press Secretary Clint Watson said individuals will be limited to one free test per week, and only people without COVID symptoms can test at the free sites.

He also said testing sites will be limited to 400 tests per day in total.

However, starting yesterday, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said that free testing will be increased to 1,000 tests per day because of the demand.

While things progressed quickly yesterday morning at the gymnasium, at the Melia Nassau Beach resort, where drive-through testing was being done, many were frustrated by the process, noting they had been waiting for a long time.

"It wasn't good," said Barry when asked about his experience.

"I was here from 8:50 a.m. and nobody was here.

"They set up around 9:30 and my appointment was for 9 a.m. So, other than that it was alright, it was quick."

Barry said he was getting tested because his job requires it.

"It's good, because most of these jobs now, they're requiring you to pay for the testing yourself," he said.

"So, it's good that they're doing it for free."

Olivia Adderley, who said she was waiting from 8:20 a.m., was also getting tested for work.

"It was smooth after it started," she said.

"Earlier we had to wait and it was like nobody knew what was happening."

Kenya, who was also in line at the Melia, was also frustrated by the lengthy wait.

"They said we were supposed to start at 9 a.m. and it took a whole hour for them to set up and then it was really confusing," she said.

"But once they got everything sorted out, I was in and done."

She added, "I think it was a good thing that they did do it, but, like I said, the process could be a lot smoother, because, as you can see, there are people out here who want to get tested and need to be tested."