3 treated for flu like symptoms should be kept under surveillance : Dr Tukuitonga

Three people who are currently in isolation are being treated for flu and their tests will be sent to New Zealand. 

Prominent Niuean doctor Colin Tukuitoga says the 3 people should be kept under surveillance but it is unlikely that they have COVID-19. 

Dr Tukuitonga is the inaugural Associate Dean of Pacific and Associate Professor of Public Health at the Auckland University School of Medicine.

“Unfortunately, Covid 19 and the flu could show similar symptoms. There is a definition of a Covid 19 case that is here in New Zealand, and its hard to tell often which is which. In an ideal world I would test the three people for Covid 19 because really that’s the only way one could tell it is Covid 19 or not. A lot depends on the symptoms and of course the judgement of the Doctor treating them. From the information that I’m aware of I think its highly unlikely. My advice would be to keep them under surveillance.” Said Dr Tukuitonga

Sixty people are still being quarantined into day 12 today.

The group were the first lot of passengers on the Friday flight on March 20th to be quarantined. 

The Acting Health Director confirmed to BCN News that all are in stable condition.  The group are undergoing quarantine in various accommodations on the island funded by the government.   

The quarantine process completes on Friday April 3rd at 2pm.