BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
Coronavirus (Covid-19) risks are high in remote communities at Choiseul where health services are lacking and knowledge to manage severe critical cases are limited or not available.
This is according to Choiseul Province Premier Hon Harrison Benjamin in his opening government speech at Choiseul’s Provincial ‘Assembly Meeting’ held this week updating on their health and education sector matters due to Covid-19 community transmission in the country.
Mr Benjamin said on the province’s status on Covid-19, out of the total 299 cases detected in Choiseul is 3 percent of the total National cases as they are fortunate that there are no covid-19 related deaths in Choiseul to date.
“But Mr Speaker we are to be cautious of the fact highlighted by the ministry of health that transmission of the virus has far exceeded the ministry’s ability to do testing. What this means is that the number of people in Choiseul who contracted the virus may be higher than the 299 cases detected,” said Benjamin.
“Similarly, with recovery, though the total of 198 cases of recovery, there could also be any of our people with Covid have recovered but were not captured in our provincial health covid-19 database.
“Nevertheless, unlike other provinces that experienced Covid across the entire province, the Covid cases detected so far from testings rather showed clusters or pockets of cases across Choiseul in Wagina, Sepa camp, Sepa village, Panarui and Sasamugga, Taro and catchment villages of Supizae, Tarekukure, Poroporo, and Solovai. Northwest Choiseul villages of Sipokana, Sagasaga, Pachuava, Sirovanga, Polo, Voruvoru, Ogho, Nanaviru camp, Nukiki, Voza, and Vagara.
“Mr Speaker, in terms of hospitalisation the provincial health team have yet to record cases admitted at the taro hospital or other health clinics in the province.
“But despite there being no deaths or hospitalisation, the storm is not yet over. There are increased cases in rural communities across the country. The risks are greater in remote communities in Choiseul where health services are lacking and knowledge to manage Covid-19 severe critical cases are limited or not available.
“Therefore, the provincial health team have worked closely with the ministry of health and partners to provide supplies such as oxygen, concentrator, personal protective equipment and infection prevention and control supplies and medications to manage infected patients. More so, strengthened and intensify monitoring of medicine stock to ensure that adequate supplies are available throughout the Covid response phase.
“Pieces of training and sharing of experiences are ongoing. Additional staff to reinforce the province’s workforce to be deployed when the need arises.
“Mr Speaker, the testing strategy is to quantify positive cases, determine the extent of spread and reinforce awareness of Covid-19 safe measures, including the limit of movements to contain the spread of the virus.
“Vaccination continues to roll out though disrupted due to availability of health staff for contact tracing and swabbing. So far 13,695 people received the first dose, 64 percent of the target population and 10,712 people are fully vaccinated with 2 doses. This is 50 percent of the total target population of 18 years and above.
“Arrangement is underway with the ministry of health for Pfizer vaccination for pregnant mothers and children aged 12 to below 18 years of age including booster doses.
“Mr Speaker and members of the assembly, the most effective and cost-efficient means for us to respond to this deadly virus is to get vaccinated and ensure our people continue to practise Covid safe measures. As leaders, we are also responsible to inform, advocate, and raise awareness on important health information and messages to our people.
“On education, Mr Speaker, learning continuity program commenced on 7th March. The education division packed and sort out materials to be distributed to all schools this week. The ministry also finalised documents to reopen schools in the country. This requires cabinet approval. Due to covid-19 community transmission, the ministry reiterated that all students between ages 12 to 18 to be vaccinated.”
Solomon Islands to date from the past 48 hours has a record of 10,426 Covid-19 positive cases, 222 new cases, 129 related deaths, 1 critical condition and 2,195 recovery cases.
