The testing labs in Tamavua

The Ministry of Health this morning received new Gene-X Pert testing machine.

Health Minister, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete, says the four new machines will boost their work in identifying COVID-19 cases.

He says with new cases being recorded daily for over a week now, the machines have arrived just in time.

Dr Waqainabete says the machines will be distributed accordingly to support work that is already being done.

He says each machine has the capability to run four tests in 45 minutes.

“They will be able to increase the capacity for testing and this is very important especially being able to do testing for those who are in our border quarantine and also for those in the communities.”

The machine donations was an effort made in conjunction of the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Pacific Community.

All three organizations have assured the Health Ministry they stand ready to assist.