Some RFMF soldiers in Iraq are showing symptoms of COVID-19 – Dr. Fong

Some soldiers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in Iraq are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong who says antigen tests have been used to test the soldiers which has a high false-positive rate.

The Ministry of Health had earlier stated that antigen tests are based on the detection of antibodies and antigens and they are not reliable for the acute diagnosis of COVID-19.

Dr. Fong says he is not sure of the number of positive cases.

Dr Fong says their main aim is to isolate all positive cases to reduce transmission risk and antigen tests is a way of dealing with groups of younger people staying in high-risk places.

He says these younger age persons have a much lower risk of severe disease.

The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the borders are good as long as we do not invite the virus into the quarantine area.

Dr Fong says this is the reason why they restrict entry from high-risk places like Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Brazil, India, South Africa and many of the Middle East countries.

We have sent questions to the RFMF Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto and are awaiting his response on the number of soldiers that contracted COVID-19.