Fiji will now be able to test for COVID-19 at the Fiji Centre for Disease Control in Tamavua.
Fiji is the first country in the South Pacific to do the test.
The Hon PM this morning officiated at the Fiji Centre for Disease Control and the Molecular Lab within. After weeks of preparations we now can of today do COVID 19 Molecular testing. Only Fiji CDC, Hawai, F Polynesia and New Cal for the Pacific. pic.twitter.com/n1nPVR4NJu
— Dr I Waqainabete (@Nadokoulu) March 10, 2020
While making the announcement this morning, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji is working with urgency to protect our people.
He says the waiting time for results will between 6 to 8 hours and they can test 20 samples at one time.
He says when dealing with the disease that spreads as quickly as Covid-19, every hour saved is critical.
Bainimarama says the road to combating the Covid-19 does not stop here.
He says we are blessed to have been spared so far but with majority of the countries reporting cases, we need to prepare as a matter of when and not if we will see the first case in Fiji.
Bainimarama has urged Fijians to act in utmost precaution and to practice good hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.
The Prime Minister says every time a case of the suspected virus has risen it has been tested and all test results till date have returned negative.
Bainimarama says Fiji’s borders remain closed to all foreign nationals who have been present in mainland China, Italy, Iran and South Korea within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.
The Prime Minister says they are constantly reviewing World Health Organization’s latest case numbers and will not hesitate to introduce new and more stringent restrictions when necessary.
He also paid tribute to the Health Workers for their tireless efforts.
