[ad_1]
“Positive results are confirmed with multiple independent PCR tests to confirm that the positive result is due to SARS-2-CoV.”
However, this is not the only misleading claim made by Dr. Bailey; it also claims that medical personnel are testing inappropriately by using PCR as a screening test rather than a diagnostic test.
“Could you think that many people have tested positive for COVID-19 and have no symptoms? Exactly how can this be interpreted? “he asks in his seven minute video.
“It’s because medical staff are testing people inappropriately, you can’t use a diagnostic test as a screening test,” according to Bailey.
This statement is “simply not true” according to microbiologist professor David Murdoch.
“Some tests may be better when used for screening, but to say that a test can only be used for screening and this test can only be used for diagnosis is wrong and too simplistic,” he told AFP.
“When it comes to COVID-19, PCR is the test of choice in both situations.”
Lumley agrees, saying that while Bailey is correct that some tests are only suitable for diagnosis and others for screening, CRP is suitable for both.
Bailey’s inaccuracies don’t stop there, it also implies that the recent outbreak of the virus in Auckland is related to testing of asymptomatic people.
“Suddenly the community testing stations were opening up again … this was rolled out across the country with emerging testing centers looking to test people without symptoms.
“Very soon there were four new cases in Auckland from an unknown source on August 11.”
However, as Lumley points out, the person who was identified as the start of the August outbreak in Auckland had symptoms.
“It was not the asymptomatic tests that triggered the second lockdown,” he told Newshub.
He also refutes his claim that the Health Ministry only evaluated people with symptoms until August.
“There were at least two previous waves of asymptomatic tests, in April and May, carried out to inform cabinet decisions to lower alert levels.”
This was confirmed by a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, who told AFP that asymptomatic tests were carried out “at the end of April to report the passage from Alert Level 3 to 2”.
“This test provided the assurance that there was no undetected spread in the community,” they said.
Bailey told Newshub that he supports his claims, but has no association with the New Zealand Public Party.
“I have no association with the NZPP / Advance Party and, in fact, I am apolitical. I have no intention of supporting a political party or voting in the next general election.”
“I endorse my claims and encourage you to read the latest update from the Australian government regarding PCR testing. They have dealt with much larger numbers than New Zealand and you can clearly see that the tests are not working as suggested in the article from AFP “.
“There is limited evidence available to access the accuracy and clinical utility of the available COVID-19 tests.”
The New Zealand Medical Council told Newshub that they were not in a position to comment on Baileys’ views, but could confirm that she is a registered and practicing physician.
