THREE provinces have been identified by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services as highly likely to have COVID-19 community transmission.
The Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana in his address this evening said currently only Honiara and Malaita Outer Islands are confirmed for COVID-19 community transmission.
However, Dr Togamana said there is high probability that COVID-19 may also be transmitting in Auki, Malaita Province, Marovo in Western Province and Central Islands Province.
He said the ministry is also monitoring a surge in flu-like-illness in Makira Ulawa Province.
He said there is also a surge in flu-like-illness in Rukutu Village, Western Province.
Rukutu Village last month celebrated its church’s centenary celebrations – a celebration attended by many people including those from Honiara.
A vessel carrying passengers and cargoes that stopped over at the village had since had seven of its crew members tested positive to COVID-19.
Dr Togamana said the Western Province health team has already visited the village, distributed facemasks, advice people on COVID-19 safe measures and collected 22 samples for testing.
He said results from those samples will be made known soon.
“For all persons in these areas and even in other provinces that are still COVID-19 free to strictly abide to COVID-19 public health measures and get vaccinated now,” the Minister said.
COVID-19 tests will soon be conducted at Gizo Hospital and Kiluúfi Hospital. Other provinces will have to send samples to Honiara for testing.