- Three persons of interest are being actively monitored by Public Health officials: one is in hospital, two are in supervised quarantine.
- Te Marae Ora is implementing COVID-19 protocols while awaiting test results.
- These persons of interest underline the critical importance of social distancing and quarantine measures, says Health officials.
Te Marae Ora Cook Islands Ministry of Health is actively monitoring three persons of interest and implementing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) public health protocols, while awaiting test results to return. Te Marae Ora has been extra cautious in managing the hospitalised patient’s care since Saturday evening when they were admitted to hospital, with symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction and a lower respiratory tract infection.
“In ordinary times we would treat locally someone who presented with these symptoms alone. But these are not ordinary times and we are being extra cautious in our attempt to minimise COVID-19 risk” says Secretary of Health Dr Josephine Aumea Herman.
This patient has been accepted for transfer to a hospital in New Zealand, and their COVID-19 swab test will be sent to New Zealand today.
Health officials are expecting tests results for one of the persons of interest to come back today. Dr Herman says these persons of interest show the need for all to practise good personal hygiene and social distancing measures as the country braces itself for the potential impact of COVID-19.
“While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Cook Islands we must prepare ourselves, as this could change. We’re sharing this information publicly because we want to impress on our community about the critical importance of continued social distancing practices. We are committed to keeping everyone informed and the best way to do that is with facts, not mis-information.” she says.
Health officials encourage anyone requiring medical advice or attention to free call 08001800; 08001801 or 08001802. All calls to the Healthline are free of charge. For up to date information visit https://fal.cn/37eCn
