The President of the Government announced today that the installation of a COVID-19 testing laboratory on the island of Faial, in collaboration with the University of the Azores, is under analysis, a decision that solely depends on technical issues and human resources. 

"Regarding the monitoring capacity of the Regional Health Service, we are assessing, with the University of the Azores, the possibility of installing a COVID-19 testing laboratory on the island of Faial under the same terms as on the island of Terceira and on the island of São Miguel," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke after the meeting he held, by video conference, with the boards of island health units and the regional three hospitals. 

The installation of this laboratory will be an "important gain," the President of the Government said, adding that this assessment is being carried out for a decision on this matter in the short term. 

"This possibility falls within the response capacity we can provide, especially in a scenario where, with the gradual return to normality and the opening of air and maritime connections, the mobility of people will increase," said Vasco Cordeiro. 

After today's meeting, which is part of a series of contacts with various areas that began last week, Vasco Cordeiro also stated that the progressive resumption of health care activity throughout the region is already under way, including health services provided by local health units. 

We intent to extend progressively the provision of health care to all units of the Regional Health Service during the month of June," assured the President of the Government.
 
According to him, today's meeting was also important to analyse the current situation, following the disturbances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but, above all, to assess what is being planned to recover from this situation and prevent future situations that may arise as a result of a second outbreak. 

"There is a fundamental goal: we have to undertake an effort so that we can match the productivity levels of last year by the end of 2020, i.e., in about nine months. 

We are all aware that this effort has to be undertaken, but there may be disturbances resulting from a possible second outbreak," said the President of the Government. 

"It was a particularly useful and productive meeting as it became possible to assess, with rigour and depth, the situations that are going well at each island health unit and hospital as well as those that require some improvements," said Vasco Cordeiro. 

Speaking to journalists, the President of the Government also made a point of recognising and praising the work carried out by all health professionals in recent months, "an effort that was of paramount importance in the way we have overcome this phase."