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Targeted testing at the East Arm is enabling a quick-fire response to potential outbreaks, with essential workers able to be tested within hours of being identified as a contact.
The East Arm testing facility was originally set up in September for incoming ferry passengers.
However, as travel died down following the re-emergence of Covid-19 in the island, the drive-through facility was re-purposed for 'targeted testing'.
Since then, it has been used by hundreds of people every day - predominantly essential workers - reducing the reliance on the PEH testing tent.
"The main difference is that at the PEH, the swabs are taken by a clinician and here the swabs are self-administered," said Programme Manager Richard Evans.
"The swabs are taken at the back of the throat and up the nostrils and although they are self-administered, they are still being taken to a clinical standard."
Pictured: East Arm Testing Project Managers William Alexander and Isabel de Menezes with Programme Director Richard Evans.
Customer Care Project Manager Isabel de Menezes is on hand with the rest of the 'welcome team' to make sure that these tests are being taken properly.
"We have all been trained by Public Health on how to administer the tests so that we can supervise them," she said.
The supervision element is important, as Public Health is limited by the resources available to it, meaning they can get through more tests this way than if each swab was being carried out by a clinician.
Fellow Project Manager William Alexander said the facility is vital to the States' response to new and emerging situations. Yesterday for example, 378 people had been booked in for tests by 11:00, with the capacity to accommodate more if required.
One of the priorities yesterday was testing teachers who will be supervising children of key workers when education settings re-open to just over 300 pupils next week.
Test done for next week. ✅ Well done to all those operating the East Arm @Govgg for a smooth process.
— HTCoughlin ???????? (@HT_Coughlin) February 5, 2021
Pictured: Hautes Capelles Head Teacher Sue Coughlin is one of the key workers who have been tested at the East Arm this week.
The asymptomatic Covid-19 case which led to the closure of two Marks & Spencer stores earlier this week was picked up by targeted testing of essential workers at the East Arm facility.
“Our increased testing capacity is making a very real difference in helping to identify cases," States CEO Paul Whitfield said on Thursday.
Mr Alexander added: "If you use that as an example, a positive case was identified in the morning and then [other] workers from M&S were tested here in the afternoon."
This facility is only used by people who can administer a swab themselves, with an emphasis on testing essential workers.
"We needed to respond to the situation we found ourselves in and we are up for the challenge," Mr Evans concluded.
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