The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has activated 40 screening clinics nationwide to help screen those who are experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.

It comes after the country recorded its first local transmission case in Lautoka after a period of more than one year.

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong said they had also mobilised house-to-house screening efforts.

These are specifically for the containment areas between Nadi and Lautoka and Cunningham in Suva.

“If we find out that they are sick we will be testing immediately and often,” he said.

“We have the capacity to run 600 COVID tests per day.

“That is how many tests we plan to run every day for the next two weeks, at least.”

Mask up

Dr Fong said: “Everyone should wear masks. If you cough or sneeze, do it in your elbow or in a disposable tissue.

“For good measure, report your symptoms to the nearest fever clinic.”

At the Valelevu screening clinic, Ereno Matai said she did not hesitate to present herself and her children into the clinic after they started becoming feverish on Wednesday.

“I think as responsible Fijians we need to be aware of the virus and the fact that it is in our community, we need to ensure that we are taking all precautionary measures available.”

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