Pharmacies run out of Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test kits

As cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the community, several pharmacies in the country have run out of the Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test kits.

Fijivillage has visited a number of pharmacies in Suva who have all confirmed they do not have the test kits available in stock.

Some of these pharmacies have told us new stock will be arriving next week or in two weeks.

A number of people have contacted us and raised concerns about the shortage of the Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test kits as they were checking their status when they had symptoms.

The Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong says our testing capability is being tested at present and they will need to prioritize testing for people at higher risk of severe disease to prevent severe outcomes as well as to suppress transmission.

Dr Fong says if you develop any cold or flu like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, body ache and fever then you should assume you are infected and self-isolate.

He says if you have any of these symptoms then you should stay home to prevent infecting others, especially those who may be more at risk of severe disease.

The Ministry of Health is also urging people to always carry a well-fitted mask when they leave home, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, maintain at least 2 metres of physical distancing from others when outside their homes and wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.