# No more Covid-19 testing if you’re younger than 55

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/2020/06/03/no-more-covid-19-testing-if-youre-younger-than-55/
- Published: 2020-06-03T13:38:44+02:00
- Author: dearSA

![](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20191037/Screenshot-
2020-06-03T133607.232.png "Screenshot - 2020-06-03T133607.232")

Health officials in the Cape Metro will now only test for Covid-19 in people with
comorbidities that are older than 55.

Everyone who accesses a health facility will get screened but only those who have
symptoms and fall in the following categories will be tested:

 * People already in hospital with Covid-19 symptoms.
 * Health care workers with Covid-19 symptoms.
 * People who are older than 55 with diabetes or hypertension and Covid-19 symptoms.
 * People who are younger than 55 with underlying conditions and Covid-19 symptoms.
 * People who live in a care home or an old age home with Covid-19 symptoms.

Pippa Hudson asked Dr Keith Cloete (Head of Health at the Western Cape Department
of Health) why the approach to testing has changed.

>  We want to reduce mortality… our focus turns away from people least at risk… 
> we want to preserve tests for where it makes the most difference…
> Dr Keith Cloete, Head of Health – Western Cape Department of Health

>  If you’re younger than 55 and you have symptoms, assume you have Covid-19… After
> 14 days, you’ll be fine… There’s no purpose in getting a test.
> Dr Keith Cloete, Head of Health – Western Cape Department of Health

>  Screening is vital…
> Dr Keith Cloete, Head of Health – Western Cape Department of Health

>  In other areas, you can still get tested. In the Metro, we’re at the point that
> we’re [only] looking at the vulnerable.
> Dr Keith Cloete, Head of Health – Western Cape Department of Health
>  

[Article by Capetalk](http://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/385592/just-in-no-more-covid-19-testing-if-you-re-younger-than-55)