MEMBERS of the public are now refrained from visiting sick family members and friends at the National Referral Hospital as the second wave of COVID-19 infection looms.
Ministry of Health and Medical Services permanent secretary Pauline McNeil issued this warning yesterday during the Office of the Prime Minister sponsored radio talkback show program.
Mrs McNeil said the National Referral Hospital (NRH) is now a no-go-zone.
“Those who have family members at the NRH please minimize or refrain from making any visit to them,” she said.
The permanent secretary said 17 COVID-19 patients are currently admitted at NRH, of the 17, three cases are severe and needed oxygen.
However, she said there are about 70 patients who are currently admitted at the NRH for other health issues but are also tested positive to COVID-19.
This include 35 currently at the Emergency Department.
These patients are considered to be mild and they’re treated for their health conditions.
“We also noted in the last weeks also that the virus has spread rapidly in the NRH complex but many have recovered and turn to negative after 48 hours,” she said.
In the analysis and clinical picture for MHMS, the virus has consisted with the omicron but this can be confirmed by the result sent last week to Australia.
“We still wait for the result from Australia,” she said.
Mrs McNeil also called on those who have underlining health condition, such as diabetics to go quickly to NRH if they’re tested positive.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Newsroom, Honiara
