FULL STORY: 88.3% of the adult target population now fully vaccinated while 20,059 students have received both doses

Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong says as school reopening continues they will expect to find children with COVID-19 symptoms who will test positive.

He says in these instances, an initial investigation will involve several areas.

It includes establishing whether or not the test reflects an old infection wherein the student is not infectious or a recently acquired infectious case.

A review of the school covid safe conditions will also be conducted.

There will be an initiation of the contact tracing investigations which will include immediate swabbing of high-risk contacts

Doctor Fong says with good vaccination coverage and high levels of COVID safe adherence, it is possible for them to facilitate a measured containment program whilst continuing the school program.

He says it is expected that these cases will help to refine the implementation of COVID safe measures in schools and help to put in place a quality improvement framework around the program to promote the safe opening of schools.

Doctor Fong stresses that students need to maintain proper masking practices at all times, remain as much as possible in open ventilated spaces when with their friends and follow all covid safe measures especially when indoors.

He says a recent case highlighted in the media is under investigation.

Doctor Fong adds their initial findings suggest that this was a historical case and that the symptoms are unlikely to be related to COVID-19.

He further confirms that no urgent measures were required immediately.

Doctor Fong says a more comprehensive report will be released once investigations are complete.

FULL STORY HERE