The Ministry of Health is now looking at more safe and convenient options for swabbing for COVID-19 for people as it is looking at having swabbing drive-through sites.
Vunimono High School in Nausori is Fiji’s first swab drive-through service.
With the service starting in Vunimono from today and many people lined up already in vehicles for swabs, Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says they are trying to escalate the swabbing drive-through services with strengthened Infection Prevention protocols at the sites.
The Sub Divisional Medical Officer Rewa, Dr Sravaniya Dasi says the service will be available on weekdays from 10am to 2pm.
Dr Dasi has encouraged residents in the Rewa Sub Division to use this drive-through swab service as it minimises standing in long lines as residents are swabbed in the comfort of their vehicles by the medical team.
Dr Dasi has reminded residents attending the drive-through swab service to continue to practice COVID-19 safety measures and wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose, and for people to cough or sneeze into their elbow.
Persons with mild COVID-19 symptoms which includes cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, fatigue/extreme tiredness, headache, aches and pains, sore throat, fever, diarrhoea, red eyes (conjunctivitis), loss of taste or smell and a rash on the skin are requested to visit this clinic, or other swab clinics closest to their homes if they experience these symptoms.
If you or someone you are caring for is experiencing any of these symptoms, you must immediately isolate yourself from others including other members of your household. Where possible, visit the nearest screening clinic for a COVID-19 swab.
Other locations for screening clinic services in the Rewa Medical Sub Division are at the Nausori Special School and Mokani Health Centre.
[Images: Rachel Pillay]
