DILI, 18 April 2020 (TATOLI) – The crisis group leading Timor-Leste’s response to Covid-19 has outlined a four-prong strategy to prevent the virus spreading to further parts of the country.
It comes as the Ministry of Health confirms number of people confirmed to be carrying the virus rises to 22, with one patient recovered. All of the cases developed at quarantine sites in Dili.
The strategies were outlined by the Integrated Crisis Management Centre (CIGC) spokesman of CIGC, Rui Maria de Araújo, over the weekend.
The first measure, he said, is to quarantine is limited to one person per room to avoid contamination. The site should also be regularly disinfected by staff.
One of the first quarantine sites, Dili’s Novo Horizonte hotel, drew criticism from residents last month for the cramped rooms and unsanitary conditions. The government later promised to fix “flaws” at its quarantine sites.
Related news: Fears Covid-19 Quarantine Site Could Actually Help Spread the Virus
All passengers arriving from overseas are obliged to undergo 14 days mandatory quarantine. Dr Araújo admitted the 17 sites set up by the government had reached capacity; however, this should no longer be a problem after last week’s total border closure, he said.
The second measure is to identify patients who require testing for the virus, and isolating them at the Vera Cruz Health Clinic. This includes patients who return inconclusive results, he said. Thirdly, to ensure healthcare workers are prepared to treat patients whose condition deteriorates.
And finally, he said, is educating the public about how to prevent transmitting or receiving the virus. For this, the CIGC follows the World Health Organisation guidance, he said. The Ministry of Health recommends maintaining social distance (at least one metre), to wear masks, and wash hands regularly with soap.
On Sunday, fellow CIGC spokesperson, Odete Viegas, said the Ministry of Health had begun a regimen of phsyical exercise for residents quarantined at the ministry’s new site at Tasi Tolu.
She said the idea is to help the quarantine residents take their minds off any worries about the global pandemic.
“We gave counselling to participants in Tasi Tolu quarantine site. The health section [believes] moral, and psychological support is important, and so is [having] some creativity.
“We began the exercise this morning [Sunday], but continue to maintain social distance, and use preventive measures for this activity,” Dr Viegas said.
The government has prepared 17 quarantine sites in Dili and elsewhere to accumulate Timorese Citizens returning from abroad. There are some currently 582 participants at those sites, while 1.433 have already completed their stay.
Around the world, some 165,788 people have died from the pneumonia-like virus, from a total of 2.4 million cases. Around oa quarter of the patients have now recovered.
Read our Tetum coverage here: Objetivu Estratéjiku Haat hosi CIGC Luta Kontra COVID-19
Journalists: Antónia Gusmão: Nelson de Sousa
Editors: Robert Baird, Julia Chatarina, Francisco Simões
Translation: Nelia Borges
