BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
RESOURCING of testing capabilities and existing health facilities is recommended to step up in order to ensure the country is fully prepared for a possible Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
Under ‘challenges and gaps’ point three on resourcing of provinces in the recent ‘NATIONAL SITUATIONAL REPORT – 19 issued by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), testing capabilities and resources of provinces under the declared emergency zones is still lacking.
With the recent illegal border entry at Malaita Outer Islands (MOI), NEOC state in its report that it has been noted there is still lack of resources should these kinds of scenarios trigger positive cases.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his recent nationwide address informed the nation that Covid-19 testing capabilities have been a main pillar in the country’s success to contain the virus (Covid-19).
Mr Sogavare said more than 7000 tests have been conducted at the NRH Molecular laboratory and Gizo laboratory as the government is pleased to advise that both laboratories have been doing pre-departure testing for people leaving the country to other countries that require such tests to be done.
“COVID-19 testing capability will shortly be in place in the Kiluúfi Hospital in Malaita province and the National Public Health Laboratory.
“Plans are also underway to establish a COVID-19 testing capability at the Taro hospital in Choiseul province,” said Sogavare.
