23 March 2022, Port Vila
Ministry of Health urges people to get tested if experiencingCOVID-19 symptoms at the referral hospitals throughout Vanuatu
The Ministry of Health is advising the public in other provinces to get tested for COVID-19 if experiencing flulike symptoms or other COVID-19 symptoms at their referral hospital.
People are advised get a COVID-19 test at Lenakel Hospital on Tanna Island, Norsup Hospital on Malekula and Lolowai Hospital on Ambae immediately if they are experiencing symptoms and are at risk of severe disease.
In Sanma Province, the health team has ramped up COVID-19 testing sites beyond the Northern District Hospital. The capacity of the Public Health mobile contact tracing team has been enhanced
People in Sanma Province are to informed that, testing sites will be in full operational by end of this week and adviced to get test at locations within the Luganville Municipal wards including the following
- Central Ward- Unity Park
- Sarakata Ward- Seventh Day Adventist Church
- Chapui Ward- CMC Church
- West Ward- Kamewa primary school
In Shefa Province, Vila Central Hospital remains the primary COVID-19 testing site together with private healthcare providers including: Novomedical, Medipole, Medical Center, Vanuatu Private Hospital, Medical options, Dockta blong mi. There is a charge for receiving a COVID-19 test at a private healthcare provider.
The Ministry of Health also reminds people who have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive patient and are experiencing symptoms to get tested as soon as possible.
Common and mild symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and pains. However, some people might have no symptoms at all. People with and without symptoms are both contagious and can spread the virus to others.
Danger signs are symptoms include trouble breathing (shortness of breath or difficulty to breath); ongoing chest pain or chest feels tight like someone sitting on it; severe headache for a few days; appear confused or unable to stay awake or wake up; pale, grey, or blue coloured skin, lips, or fingernails; and feeling progressively weaker.
For more information, refer to the Ministry of Health COVID-19 website: www.covid19.gov.vu, follow the Health Promotions Vanuatu Facebook Page or call the free 119 information hotline.
Contact details: Dorinda Bule, Communications Officer, Department of Public Health, Tel: +678 563 6472