Testing for COVID-19 remains one of Belize's biggest challenges. And while concerns abound about whether enough tests are being done, less has been said about how safely the tests we do have are administered.
That's because no matter how you get tested, you still have to interact with a medical professional, which could put you and the healthcare worker at risk.
But one Belmopan hardware store has developed a solution: an outdoor screening center that lets you get a COVID-19 test, without having to come into direct contact with anyone else.
It's based on the example of Korean testing booths that Darwin Gallardo saw online. Gallardo says he has close friends working as medical practitioners at the Western Regional Hospital and was inspired to organize his workmen to build a Covid-19 testing booth for the safety of all.
Darwin Gallardo
"The inspiration it was I saw a post on facebook, someone post it. The say that this would be good to have. Its intend use to have one nurse or doctor inside the booth, being able to assess the patient in front of you or give them a test without having direct contact with the patient. We've also drilled a hole for a stethoscope that allows the doctor or nurse to do a lung test to see if the lungs are functioning properly from inside the booth. The system was something that we came up with. We use PVC fitting. Inside the booth is covered with a cap. The doctor or nurse would uncapped it and drop in whatever they want to drop in and then cap it back. The patient outside then brings down the little door system and takes out whatever the doctor is sending through. So there is no physical contact between the patient and the doctor."
"My ultimate hope is for this unit to end up at Belmopan Regional. I have 2 friends there. They love it, they are waiting for it and we are hoping to deliver it later today."
Doctor
"You see the team that's working here came up with the idea that we had to isolate and keep the staff safe while we are doing our swabbing, the swabbing of suspected cases or patients that come to us with symptoms. We have our personal protective equipment, but we want to take it a step further, because everytime you swab, you basically need to go into one PPE and its becoming rather expensive to do that. So to address that we sent out a plea to the public about getting this swabbing booth. This is the end product of a lot of hard work and thinking."
Darwin Gallardo
"The idea behind the booth is simply a barrier between yourself and the doctor or nurse to feel a little bit more safe. Also not to wear the PPE at all times, because it's very hot. We've installed a fan inside with 2 heat extractors on the ceiling that blows out the hot air and the fan is located on the bottom, which blows the air up allowing the heat to escape quicker."
We thank Feste Films in Belmopan for support in putting that piece together. Hospitals and Health officials interested in COVID-19 testing booths can contact Gallardo Services and Hardware at 610-6432.
This first unit cost $1,700 - $1,900 dollars to make, but that can be reduced by using less robust materials for an indoor unit.
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