The Government is “asking for patience” as the Covid-19 helpline and the vaccination helpline are “overwhelmed, receiving three times the number of calls,” with almost 1,800 calls yesterday.
In releasing last night’s [March 29] test results, the Government said, “The recent increase in numbers means that the Covid-19 helpline and the vaccination helpline are overwhelmed, receiving three times the number of calls that we normally would in a day. The helpline usually receives up to 600 calls a day. Today, by 4pm, they had received almost 1,800 calls.
“We ask everyone for patience as we get more resources and increase the number of phone lines to accommodate those who have questions about the coronavirus and who want to book appointments to get the vaccine.
“Additionally, there is a delay with contact tracers communicating with those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. The number of positive cases over the past few days indicates the volume of calls that need to be made.
“If each positive case was in contact with only four or five people that means, each of those people must be contacted and asked to get tested. We know many people who have tested positive have been in contact with tens of people. We are asking for patience.“
