Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says the country should not panic about the backlog in covid19 testing.
The country reportedly has a backlog of 90,000 tests.
Currently, between 17,000 and 23,000 tests are being conducted daily.
The Minister says he is pleased with the country's efforts, which have so far seen more than 700,000 tests conducted.
He said they are addressing the issue of delays and that the lives of patients will not be compromised.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Government has taken the decision to only test those who are at the highest risk and the most vulnerable of dying from Covid-19 infection in the Cape Town Metropolitan area.
The decision follows the backlog of tests from the Western Cape at the National Health Laboratory Service.
This decision will allow them to get test results back from these vulnerable groups quickly so that they can intervene to save lives.
Only people who fall in the following groups will be tested:
If you are admitted to hospital with Covid-19 symptoms.
If you are over 55 and have Covid-19 symptoms
Any person with symptoms who are also suffering the following underlying conditions:
Diabetes, hypertension or heart disease on treatment, Cancer, Tuberculosis, HIV, chronic lung diseases.
Healthcare workers with Covid-19 symptoms
Residents in care facilities or old age homes with symptoms.
