Covid-19 backlog: Why delays happen and what can be done

COVID-19 | As Malaysia enters its fourth week of movement control order (MCO) lockdowns, the number of active Covid-19 cases continues to climb and one contributing factor is the testing backlog.

Backlog slows down public health response's ability to isolate cases and stem the spread. This canj end up straining the healthcare system and even lead to a loss of lives.

In late January - when new cases breached the 5,000-mark thrice despite lockdown measures - the Health Ministry admitted that backlogs dated as far back as 2020.

This article aims to explain the cause of the backlogs and propose possible solutions...