“Human error to blame” for NSW virus testing error

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A further rise in the number of Covid-19 cases is on the agenda in New South Wales, with more infections found from fewer tests on Boxing Day.

Adding to the state’s concerns about coronaviruses are hundreds of people who receive false negative test results on Christmas Day.

NSW released another daily record high on Sunday with 6,394 new infections, a slight increase from Christmas Day despite 40,000 fewer tests.

The tally does not appear to include more than 400 people who initially tested negative on Christmas Day, but were later told they tested positive on Boxing Day.

St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney revealed on Sunday that a mistake led its pathology department to falsely tell people they tested negative on Christmas night.

The incorrect results were for people who had been tested on December 22 and 23.

The error, attributed to human error, is under investigation as concerns remain about those who viewed the initial negative result as being full of attending events was unknowingly contagious in the community.

The revelation came as New South Wales Minister of Health Brad Hazzard warned that everyone in Australia is likely to be infected with the Omicron variant at some point.

It is highly likely that everyone will spend 10 days in isolation over the next two or three years, he said, but the symptoms noted appear to be milder and the current approach to isolation may change.

His comments drew criticism from his NSW occupational health spokesman Ryan Park, who said the statement was not good enough.

“Where’s the planning, the resources, and the leadership?” Mr. Park said.

More than four in five residents aged 12 to 15 are fully immunized. This figure rises to 93.5% for people aged 16 and over.

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