There are a total of 476 positive COVID-19 community transmission cases recorded as of 24th of January 2022.

156 new cases were recorded yesterday alone, the highest positive case number recorded since the outbreak.

This updated figure was revealed by the Minister of Health and Medical services Dr Culwick Togamana.

“One third of the people tested have symptoms mainly including fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose. Three patients presented with breathing difficulty last night and they have since been managed,” the Health Minister said.

“Number of people admitted in Central Field Hospital is 32. We also have 6 patients in isolation ward and 14 patients in other wards of the National Referral Hospital. Total patients admitted due to COVID-19 is 52. None of the patients is on oxygen.”

He says based on 359 positive cases recorded, 45.7% of them are female and 54.3% are male. 11.3% of the cases are in adolescents and children less than 18 years and 21.8% of cases are in people 45 years and above.

The Health Minister said that most of the positive cases recorded are in Honiara, the epicenter of the outbreak. Some cases are also recorded in parts of Guadalcanal, particularly areas in GPPOL.

He says there are cases now reported in Malaita and Western provinces, with likelihood of numbers rising in the coming days.