The tests of the four other suspected cases that underwent further tests yesterday have returned negative.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his nation-wide address today said the four individuals were tested negative for COVID-19; however, they are being kept in the hospital for treatment for their medical conditions.
“From the 96 students that we repatriated from Philippines, 6 are currently at the National Referral Hospital isolation ward and this included the country’s first and second COVID-19 positive cases,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the six individuals at the National Referral Hospital includes, the two positive cases that are currently kept in isolation whilst the other four are kept there for other medical conditions not related to COVID-19.
“Apart from the two COVID-19 positive case, all arrivals that are currently in quarantine have all tested negative,” he said.
Prime Minister Sogavare said extra measures have also been put in place by the National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) to prevent any possible spread of COVID-19.
The Prime Minister said all health workers deployed for duty at the triage, isolation and quarantine stations are accommodated at allocated housing during their deployment period.
“Upon completion of their two week’s deployment, all health workers will also undergo COVID-19 risk assessment and tests and they should be able to return to their families once they are deemed as posing no risk to their families or community,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Sogavare said risk assessments done on the health care workers and the front liners who were involved in the repatriation flight from Philippines has been revealed as low risk, however, to reinforce additional safeguards, those in close contact were also tested for COVID-19 and there tests have returned negative.
Source: OPMC