Questions persist around DC testing capacity compared to number of tests

A mystery persists on Monday regarding the number of COVID-19 tests the District conducts on a daily basis, compared to the maximum number it could be conducting.

In reference to a letter to the editor in the Washington Post, FOX 5’s Paul Wagner asked D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser why the number of tests conducted was so low – compared to the capacity, 3,700.

But the mayor refused to answer.

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"I'm happy to read it for myself and provide a response any other questions,” she said.

So far, 30,261 tests have been administered, with 6,389 patients testing positive.

Dr. Jenifer Smith – the head of the city’s forensic lab – confirmed the capacity and said, in fact that only a few hundred tests are being conducted each day.

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On Saturday, the District recorded its highest number of tests so far, 289.

The low number has remained in place despite the Mayor’s office easing restrictions on guidelines for testing.

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According to at least on city official, the non-profit Bread for the City will help low income residents with walk-up testing Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few hours in the afternoon.