Czech labs will now directly contact those who test positive for COVID-19 via e-mail, SMS

Prague, Sept 16 (CTK) – Czech laboratories will be sending the results of the COVID-19 tests by e-mail and SMS to those who test positive, Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) tweeted today.

Until now, results are only sent in this form to those who test negative. The positive test results had to be disclosed directly to the infected by a doctor, usually from a public health center.

Some people complained that due to the overburdened public health centers, they learnt about their results rather late.

Since early September, the Czech Republic has typically conducted over 10,000 tests a day. In the past week, over 15,000 were performed on workdays. The maximum, 18,940, was reached on Friday.

Less than 2.5 percent of those tested come back positive for COVID-19.

“Starting on Thursday, labs will be sending the information on positive results of COVID-19 tests by an SMS or e-mail. With this, there will be the necessary instructions. Thanks to this, the patients will learn their health condition faster and may prevent the spread of the illness,” Vojtech said.

People can be sent for COVID-19 tests by a general practitioner if they have symptoms of the disease, or by an epidemiologist from a regional public health center if they were at risk during contact with others who tested positive.

People can also be tested on their own incentive, provided they pay for it.

Ideally, the result is to be available within 48 hours, but in practice, it often takes much longer.

People with symptoms may undergo the test on immediately, and those who have been in contact with the infected are tested on the fourth or fifth day after the meeting.