Dr Fong Clarifies on Timeframe of Test Results Sent to Melbourne Lab
It takes about two weeks for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to receive genomic sequencing results of COVID-19 positive samples sent to its partner laboratory in Melbourne, Australia.
Genomic sequencing is the process of identifying any changes or ‘variants’ in the DNA that may cause geThis netic conditions. process helps health authorities identify the omicron variant on positive samples recorded here.
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong, in his COVID-19 situation update, said that the ministry was expecting the genomic sequencing results of COVID-19 positive samples sent overseas to confirm if the omicron variant was in the country.
He said as of now, the current outbreak may be a resurgence of the endemic Delta variant.
However, he said the ministry was working on the assumption that the Omicron variant was already here, and was being transmitted within the community.
“Should this wave be driven by the Omicron variant, based on what we are seeing overseas, we should expect a large number of cases, and we will also expect that infections will occur in vaccinated persons and those who have previously been infected with the Delta variant.
“The assessment of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is that the current increase in COVID-19 cases represents the beginnings of the third wave of COVID-19 in Fiji.” He said it was important to remember that those who were vaccinated or had booster doses were far less likely to become sick enough to require hospitalisation.
“The main focus of our vaccination programme is preventing severe illness and death, which will also help to limit the strain on our medical services. Any additional protection that vaccines can provide against infection is an added bonus.”