ALL SET FOR BIG COVID-19 SURGE...
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has set up additional isolation facilities in the Suva containment area for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said this was to ensure that symptomatic Fijians were observed by medical professionals in isolation.
The India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam, Fiji had confirmed that the Sangam Hall in Belo Street, Samabula will also become an isolation facility. It can cater for about 80 patients.
In a statement, the religious body said: “In our effort to support the fight against COVID-19, we have offered our hall free of charge to the Ministry of Health to be used as an isolation centre.”
The Fiji Sun also established that the Patel Samaj Hall in Toorak has been turned into an isolation facility. It can cater for more than 60 patients.
“It is important to identify those that are unwell and symptomatic and we isolate them because if they continue to stay at home they have more chances of spreading the virus,” Dr Waqainabete said.
“So it is more responsible that those who are symptomatic need to be isolated,” he said.
“It is not something to be alarmed about because it is something important in terms of our strategy.”
He said it was important that the ministry set up isolation facilities close to communities because there was a surge in cases along the Lami to Nausori corridor and in most suburbs.
“In isolation facilities we monitor their health and ensure they are doing well,” he said.
“It helps minimise transmission. With these isolation facilities we can deal with a surge in COVID-19 cases within the Suva containment zone.”
Kshatriya Hall is also being turned into an isolation centre.