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Demand for Covid testing soars

Thursday, 17 March 2022 06:30

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Demand for Covid testing is soaring as a fresh wave of infections sweep across the country.

Figures from the Federal Health Office say there’s been 69,000 new cases in the last three days – up 19% on the previous week. 

The number of people being tested is up sharply. Test centres around the country, but mainly in the German speaking areas at the moment, show hundreds more reporting to test centres. 

The increase is said to be unsurprising as restrictions are being lifted and people are socialising more – especially with carnival season kicking off in many areas. 

The testing company, GZF, says a new Omicron subtype is to blame for the increased infections. It’s far more transmissible than the previous version. 

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