Local laboratories have made a joint press release to inform local residents of important information.

Here are the testing routines for Lancet and Ampath Laboratories to ensure traffic flow is not blocked: 

Lancet: People must que in Crocker and Joubert Streets in the designated area. Remain in your vehicle and wait for assistance by administrative personnel who will provide you with the necessary documentation.

Ampath: Park in the dedicated parking bays in O.R. Tambo Street. Report to the testing site opposite O.R. Tambo Park. Testing will be done after the required documentation is completed.

Covid-19 testing sites will be open during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday: 07:00 – 16:00 (Both Lancet and Ampath)
• Saturdays: 08:00 – 12:00 (Lancet) and 08:00 – 11:00 (Ampath)
• Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Important information when going for a Covid-19 test:

• You need to have a laboratory referral letter from your doctor to test for Covid-19 at a private laboratory.
• You need to complete the National Institute For Communicable Diseases (NCID) Covid-19 contact line list. The form can be downloaded from the NCID’s website www.ncid.ac.za or ask for the administrative personnel to provide you with the form at the testing site.
• You will need to fill out the laboratory’s referral letter from the doctor.
• Find out from your medical aid whether they are going to cover the cost of your Covid-19 test or have an amount of R850 available when you go for testing.
• If you are doing the Covid-19 test prior to hospital admission, you have to do it 48-72 hours prior to your admission date.
• Members of the public who might need to go for Covid-19 testing are urged to phone or consult their General Practitioners or contact the NCID on the following numbers – WhatsApp supportline: 0600 123 456 or NCID hotline 0800 029 999 or 0800 111 132.