Mabrouq: Refinements to be made exist, NEOC working on that

National Emergency Operations Center spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez has said that operations of the authorities regarding samples testing of individuals in contact with positive cases of COVID-19 could be conducted better and would work to refine the process in the future.

Mabrouq was speaking in a press conference tonight when he stated that complaints regarding the delay in sample collection were received by the authorities.”

“Extreme delays are sometimes faced, we accept that there are things that have to be improved from our side. Efforts to do that are underway.” Said Mabrouq.

The priority was on collecting samples of direct contacts and those direct contacts with symptoms.

“Under the current policy, we have to collect samples from all direct contacts. Under the policy, symptomatic people are prioritized.” Said Mabrouq.

He added that the Rapid Response Teams were growing in numbers and being strengthened, and work to collect samples would be refined in the future.

“Not due to their (Rapid Response Team) negligence in any way. Due to the severity of the situation, days are taken to collect samples. That is something that needs to be improved. On behalf of the NEOC, work is being conducted to do that.” Said Mabrouq.

Speaking in the same press conference, NEOC medical officer, Dr. Ibrahim Afzal advised the public to remain at home until their samples are collected even if there are delays. He stated that this was due to the additional strain of contact tracing work that has to be conducted if the person steps outside.