NORO in Western Province remains a ‘high risk’ zone as more people became infected.
Provincial Disaster Oversight Committee (PDOC) in Western Province, said based on data provided by the Provincial Health Emergency Oversight Committee (PHEOC) showed that Noro Swab Team tested 81 people on 31st January and 20 returned positive.
A meeting last week revealed that community transmission in Noro poses imminent threat to Munda, nearby communities and nearby islands.
PHEOC Chairman and Acting Director of the Western Provincial Health and Medical Services, Dr. Michael Buin said some numbers of the swab team have been infected and are in isolation.
This had affected swabbing and contact tracing in Noro and Munda.
He said Munda also recorded 2 new cases last week which was detected at Helena Goldie Hospital and another in Dunde.
“Noro recorded the highest number of community transmissions than Munda and Gizo.”
Noro Quarantine Station has been converted into a COVID-19 isolation ward.
Dr. Buin said half of Gizo Hospital has been converted to isolation unit for COVID-19.
Trial set system has been set up at Gizo Hospital.
Testing kits have arrived over the weekend to support the Provincial Health Response.
He said Munda was advised to step up contact tracing and testing.
Vaccination continued at West Gizo while catch-up swabbing will continue in Gizo for vessels.
Meanwhile, members of the Provincial Health Response Team have undergone testing and isolation.
Home isolation and quarantine are advised for people who contracted COVID-19.
Health team has prepared the procedures for dealing with severely infected COVID-19 patients.
An On-site Operation Coordination Centre (OSOCC) was established by National/Provincial Disaster Management Office in Munda to provide coordination role in support of the health sector response to COVID-19.
Western Provincial Premier’s residence has been allocated as quarantined facility for a stranded COVID-19 positive person.
The province is believed to have recorded close to 80 cases so far.
By ULUTAH GINA
GIZO NEWS BUREAU
