DILI, 02 february 2022 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health had revealed that it had detected two imported cases of the new variant of the Covid-19 ‘Omicron’ in Timor-Leste for the first time since the new variant was first detected in South Africa, last year.
“Samples from the eight omicron suspects that we have sent to Australia for further testing had indicated that two of the cases are tested positive with omicron,” said General Director of Timor-Leste’s Health Services Delivery, Odete da Silva Viegas, at SAMES Central Store in Dili, on wednesday.
She said to identify the omicron cases in Timor-Leste, samples of the omicron suspects have to be sent to Melbourne, Australia for further testing.
Viegas provided that in the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health recorded 159 new cases of Covid-19, saying some of these cases might be infected with the new variant ‘Omicron’.
As of tuesday (01/02), Timor-Leste recorded 20.105 cases, 19.746 recoveries, and 122 deaths.
Currently, three people in moderate conditions and two people with mild conditions of Covid-19 are having treatment at the hospital.
Health Authorities called on communities to remain calm: “The communities no need to panic with the detection of the omicron in the country. The omicron coronavirus variant is spreading faster, but the infection with Omicron causes would not cause more severe disease compared to infections of other variants.”
Viegas urged communities to practice the health and safety guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the WHO to continue wearing masks, avoid mass gathering and wash hands regularly to combat the spread of the omicron variant in the country.
“For those who haven’t gotten a Covid vaccine yet must visit the nearest vaccination centers to receive their shot. Vaccines will help us increase our immune system against this new variant,” she said.
Viegas stressed that if Covid-19 cases would mount in the coming months, then the Ministry of Health would use the Tasi-Tolu Isolation Center to accommodate those with Covid-19 for hospitalization.
Viegas call on newcomers and visitors from other countries to comply with the health regulation in the country: “Newcomers and visitors must demonstrate PCR with the negative test result, and Covid vaccine card. For the fully vaccinated visitors and newcomers must be under 48 hours quarantine.”
Related news:WHO urges countries in the Southeast to earnestly implement preventive measures amid omicron
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
