10/01/2022
Ti a mena ngkai i nanon te ka-3 n tai (3rd wave) ni manga buti te C-19.
Taiaoka karekea am 'boosting shot/vaccination' ke am kateniua ni itinaki! Tii uota am vaccination card nakon te tabo ni iti (drive thru vaccination) n Albert Park ao ko a bon itinaki naba. Uringnga are e na tia ni koro 5 te namwakaina (months) imwiin am kabanea ni itinaki, ao ko a konaa naba ni itinaki ibukin te booster shot.
COVID-19 Situation Update
Monday 10th January
Public Advisory:
As we continue to record new cases of COVID-19 throughout the country, the public is reminded of the need to maintain public health and social measures that are helping in suppressing the transmission of the virus in our communities so that hospitalization numbers remain low. When a large number of people get infected within a shorter period of time, even a smaller percentage of people becoming severely ill may still mean a large number requiring hospitalization, which will put pressure on our health system. Strict adherence to the community-wide COVID safe measures by everyone will ensure that we will continue to function socially and economically while the community transmission of the disease is sufficiently suppressed.
The public is also reminded that for now, we are prioritizing our testing to individuals at higher risk of severe disease to ensure that they are assessed early, referred to an appropriate health care facility, and managed promptly if their symptoms deteriorate.
If you develop a cold or flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, body ache, fever, you should assume you have COVID-19, and self-isolate. If you have any of these symptoms, please stay home to avoid spreading the disease to others, and in particular those who may be more at risk of severe disease. Get tested at your nearest health facility if you are at higher risk of severe disease so that health workers may conduct an assessment and place you on a care pathway for monitoring and follow-up. You are at higher risk of severe disease if you are over the age of 50, or have any significant chronic disease like heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, or you are obese or pregnant. If anyone in your home is at higher risk of developing severe disease, please try to isolate yourself away from them.
As announced yesterday, the isolation period has been reduced to 7 days. You may stop isolating if
1. 7 days have passed since the start of symptoms or since the positive test (for asymptomatic cases)
AND
2. Your symptoms are improving, and at least 24 hours have passed since you had a fever (without the need to take fever-reducing medications like paracetamol)
Also, as announced yesterday, close contacts of cases are no longer required to isolate unless they develop symptoms. If you are a close contact and develop symptoms you must assume you have COVID-19 and self-isolate as described. A close contact is anyone who lives in the same house as a positive case, or has been in a confined space for at least 1 hour, or has come within 2 meters, or has had any physical contact, in the 2 days before the case’s symptoms started and up to ten days after.
COVID safe measures in this 3rd wave
The public is advised that strict adherence to personal COVID safe measures is very important in this 3rd wave. Wear a well-fitted mask that covers your mouth and nose when you are in public places and when attending gatherings. Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Maintain at least 2 metres of physical distancing from others when outside your home. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Stay home and do not attend any gatherings if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Get vaccinated if you are eligible and have not yet been vaccinated. And get a booster dose if you are over the age of 18, and especially if you are at higher risk of severe disease.
Preparing for adverse weather events
While preparing for the adverse weather conditions, the public is reminded to also prepare well for their health needs. Those who take medications regularly for chronic illnesses should ensure that they have an adequate supply of medications with them. All medicines kept at home must be kept in waterproof containers and in dry places away from children and safe from the elements. Families should ensure that the health needs of the vulnerable members of the family such as pregnant mothers, babies and children, the elderly, and the disabled are considered carefully, and plans in place for their safe and immediate evacuation to a health facility if the need arises during a climatic event.
It is important to remember that weather disturbances also cause the increase of climate-sensitive diseases such as leptospirosis, typhoid fever, dengue fever, and diarrhoeal diseases. The public is advised to take actions to protect themselves from these diseases and to prevent the spread of the diseases in our community.
Drinking water should be boiled if the color of the water turns turbid or the regular water supply is frequently interrupted. Stored water should be covered to protect against dirt and pests. Compounds and the home surroundings should be cleared of loose materials and debris that can injure individuals and attract pests. Household rubbish should be disposed of properly, and proper personal protective equipment should be used when outside the household. Children should also be advised on the health risks associated with bathing in flooded water around the home, and in flooded drains, creeks, and rivers, and be discouraged from doing so.
Full details at: bit.ly/332HOAo
