
Presumption is no substitute for testing at the correct level
Speaking to staff in nursing homes, many have said the speed of government intervention in terms of testing has not been sufficient. The initial approach of the government was that where two positive cases were found, patients with some symptoms of the virus were also presumed to have the virus. Presumption is no substitute for testing at the correct level. The government has now resorted to testing as many residents of nursing homes as possible – yielding substantial numbers of positive cases.
In addition to not testing at sufficient rates, the government has also failed to ensure adequate supply of PPE to nursing homes according to many working in these homes. Though the HSE is now delivering PPE to care facilities, the amount supplied still falls short of what is needed to protect staff and resident alike.
Every measure should be taken to ensure that our most vulnerable and our frontline heroes are protected – presumption and insufficient supply are detrimental to these efforts.