New COVID-19 test queue system comes into force in Latvia

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Monday October 26, sees a new system for COVID-19 testing queues comes into force in Latvia, Latvian Radio reported.

As previously reported by LSM, as of today, only those with a GP's referral will be able to receive state-paid testing.

From now on, there will be two queues. The first queue will be for those with a referral - people with symptoms, contact persons, those who need a test for medical treatment - and the second queue will be for everyone else, who will have to pay for their own test.

Health Ministry and the Association of General Practitioners (GPs) have agreed that this will be a temporary solution to reduce queues.

"The line for a test is now quite long. If a person has symptoms, they call their GP. The doctor then writes a referral. The patient then calls the joint line 8303 and applies. (..) All World Health Organization's guidelines state that if there are symptoms, the test must be carried out as soon as possible. This order can create additional obstacles and prolong it," said Chair of the Association, Sarmīte Veide.

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