“Over the weekend, someone was found to have detectable SARS-CoV-2 viral particles as part of the routine screening programme. Immediate contact tracing and isolation was instituted around this asymptomatic positive case and a number of swabs for close contacts were taken. Fourteen swabs of these close contacts have proven to be negative for the virus causing COVID-19 disease and the investigation is ongoing. There is no relevant travel history and it appears that this case is a past infection which is still lingering in this person's body. The very sensitive PCR test has picked up inactive viral particles - however, the test will be reported as a community positive to PAHO/WHO,” said Dr Lee.

The government has no plans to change the current suppression level. Dr John Lee, Chief Medical Officer, encourages everyone invited to contribute to the ongoing screening programme to please come forward for testing if invited.