The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has recorded another 1,226 new COVID-19 cases over the past 72 hours, bringing total case count to 14,182.

In her remarks at during the COVID-19 Oversight Committee talk back show yesterday, Mrs. Pauline McNeil Health Permanent Secretary said that 1037 of these cases detected are from Honiara where large-scale community transmission is ongoing.

“Total in Honiara is 6,662 with 1105 cases added in current 2nd wave since April 13”.

With provincial COVID case updates, Mrs McNeil also announced Temotu province the only province to have remained COVID-19 free since the start of the outbreak have now recorded its first seven (7) cases.

“Temotu Province for the first time since the outbreak in January recorded its first 7 COVID-19 cases following COVID-19 testing done yesterday. This is expected due to community transmission across the country and movements of people to and from the province.

“All these cases were in the incoming 14 passengers who travelled from Honiara to Temotu and were detected in quarantine. All their close contacts have also been quarantined and further investigations are on. At present there is no evidence of community transmission of COVID in Temotu”, explained Mrs McNeil.

For all other provinces she highlighted new cases in the past 72 hours and the total case count as of Sunday 24th.

  • Malaita province, 11 new cases detected, total case count to 1103
  • Guadalcanal – 81 new cases, total case count 711
  • Western –Report for last 3 days not received. Total remains at 2107, although confirmed figures will be made once verification process is complete.
  • Choiseul – 7 new cases, total case count 463
  • Isabel – 27 new cases, total case count 1027
  • Makira – No report received on new cases, total case count 1203
  • Renbel – 2 new cases, total case count 222
  • Central Islands - 61 new cases Total 674

In terms of hospitalization, the Health Permanent Secretary cautioned the public of the high transmission rate within the hospital amongst patients. Despite the high number of cases inside the hospital, the majority only experience mild symptoms with only 3 patients needing oxygen.

“NRH is currently managing 17 COVID-19 patients in its COVID-19 ward. 3 out from the 17 cases are severe cases needing oxygen. However, many other patients admitted at other NRH wards, for other health issues have also tested positive, 70 plus in total including 35 in the Emergency Department.

“These patients at this stage are considered to be mild and primarily being treated for their other health conditions while IPC (infection, prevention and control) measures in place to mitigate further spread to other COVID-19 negative patients”, said Mrs. McNeil.

Source: Press Release