South Africans concerned about the spread of coronavirus can now take action to get definitive answers about their own health. Lancet Laboratories have confirmed they will be allowing patients through their doors as of Monday, to hand out private tests for the strains of COVID-19.

COVID-19 current death toll

Three people have tested positive for the deadly disease in South Africa, and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) are still analysing tests from a tour group who returned to KwaZulu-Natal from northern Italy last week. A teacher in Johannesburg has also been taken into quarantine as a precaution.

The coronavirus death toll is ominously marching towards the 3 500 mark, with around 115 000 cases reported globaly since November 2019. Now, thanks to Lancet and the NICD, wary South Africans can do something about their fears. Here’s how the private testing process works.

Private tests for coronavirus in South Africa:

How do I get a private test?

It’s not something you can purchase from the pharmacy, we’re afraid. And private tests are only open to people who have been referred by their doctor. Lancet staff will carry out a clinical assessment at one of their facilities, share the results with the NICD, and get back to you with a confirmed diagnosis.

“Testing for now, even in private labs will be prioritised for individuals that fulfill epidemiological or clinical case definitions of coronavirus – and only if referred by a doctor. Lancet Laboratories will be offering testing for coronavirus from 9 March 2020. Epidemiological information will still be collected on all patients.” “Furthermore, all results will be shared with NICD which remains the reference centre for this epidemic. Patients with epidemiological/clinical criteria for coronavirus testing can be sent straight to Lancet Labs for testing by the doctor. We will then share testing and all data with NICD. Most medical aids will cover this.” Lancet Labs statement

Where do I go for a private coronavirus test?

If you’ve never set foot in a Lancet Laboratory before, the chances are you are quite near to one. However, there are no facilities in the Northern Cape, and those in Port Elizabeth face the daunting prospect of their nearest lab being in Bloemfontein. There are numerous faiclities in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gauteng and its neighbouring provinces, however. You can find them by using this lab locator.

How much will it cost to test myself for coronavirus in South Africa?

The guideline price is between R1 000 to R1 400. You can add on several hundred rand more for the initial cost of the visit to the doctor. Those of us with medical aid schemes are “highly likely” to be covered, as most programmes will pay out for this treatment. But if you’re uninsured, it’ll set you back by four figures.