Clinic steps up effort to fight virus, takes over 40 samples

PEOPLE who visit the 9-Mile Urban Clinic in Port Moresby daily are offered the opportunity to get tested for the Covid-19 if they wish to, Sister Maria Runane says.
Sr Maria, the nurse in charge at the clinic, said they set up a Covid-19 triage with a sampling booth which they had been using since last Thursday.
So far more than 40 people had their samples taken and sent to the laboratory for testing.
The clinic continues to provide normal services for Tuberculosis, well-baby, immunisation, antenatal and ART/HIV.
“All the patients come through the main gate, sanitise their hands, go through triaging and go to the respective sections,” she said.
“Now that we have Covid-19, an area for patients who have cough is set up.
“When screening patients, if the Covid-19 symptoms are present, we inform them and ask if they would like to get tested.”
She said some came in specifically to get tested for the Covid-19.
They are taken to the Covid-19 setup where their details are recorded and samples collected.
The clinic conducts Covid-19 awareness every morning.
“We are telling the people to walk in and we will do the swabbing if they have any symptoms of Covid-19,” she said.
“The most important thing we are stressing is those who have asthma, TB and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes must go for Covid-19 test if they are having symptoms so that they can get help.”
She said their biggest challenge was manpower.