Health authorities in Niue have bolstered Covid-19 measures, despite no known community transmission of the virus.
Auckland University Associate Professor Colin Tukuitonga has been advising Niuean health authorities throughout the pandemic.
He said Niue has pretty much kept covid out for two years, but they clearly needed to update their procedures to respond to Omicron.
Dr Colin Tukuitonga Photo: PMA
The Pacific Medical Association (PMA) team from New Zealand has completed a four-week stint in Niue, and have presented PPE supplies and RAT test kits.
Dr Tukuitonga said even 10 cases would spell trouble for the island.
"It isn't going to take many cases to put pressure on the local health authorities and this is part of the discussions with PMA what to do in the event of an outbreak and how to provide additional support support to Niue, arrangements for transport for really sick people back here to auckland if necessary."
Dr Tukuitonga said the timing of the PMA team's arrival was good, as they were in Niue when the first case of Covid-19 was detected in MIQ two weeks ago.
"They helped out with particularly people on the flights, management on arrival at the airport, procedures on testing in isolation facilities, training and support updated for front line nurses in terms of PPE use, discussions on isolation requirements."
Dr Tukuitonga said no new cases have been recorded since the first case was found.
