Nurse Returns Home, Spends Holiday Carrying Out COVID-19 Tests
Kartik Mani Naicker has used his knowledge as a nurse to assist his community in Qarawalu, Taveuni over the Christmas season.
Mr Naicker, who is employed at Ma’s Medical Centre in Nabua, has been conducting COVID-19 tests and actually isolated infected individuals on time.
Originally from Qarawalu, Mr Naicker, arrived with his wife in Taveuni on December 25. Despite being on his vacation, he brought with him, his COVID-19 equipment and tests kits in case of emergencies and what a right decision it was.
“It is a true calling by God. I was called upon to a resident on Monday after the woman had fallen sick and was showing symptoms of the COVID-19,” he said.
“As a medical professional I helped to carry out swabs and relevant COVID-19 tests.
“The woman was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19.”
Community COVID-19 Testing
Mr Naicker was overwhelmed when some youths in the area had volunteered to help him conduct house to house COVID-19 swabbing and tests.
“Our volunteer youth team covered 15 households in the area and the prevention exercise focused on testing residents and getting swab tests done for potential COVID-19 carriers,” he said.
“After testing, we identified another four positive cases in the settlement and they were home isolated for 14 days.”
The 29-year-old plans to cordon off their settlement to limit the spread within the bubble. Along with his group they have designated and prevented potential infected people entering the community.
Mr Naicker is requesting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services team in Taveuni and in Vanua Levu to provide additional test kits to carry out more swabs for five other houses in the area.
“I have used all my personal tests kit as of yesterday, so there is an urgent need for these life testing essentials,” he said.
Qarawalu is home to about 200 residents.
Youth COVID Role
Volunteer Youth Group spokesperson, Kushmeet Kaushik, said members were determined to ensure their community, vulnerable residents and especially children were safe from COVID-19.
“I thank Mr Naicker, for being a source of inspiration to carry out tests and raise awareness in our community,” he said.