Days after the remote Aboriginal community of Bidyadanga was plunged into lockdown due to a reported outbreak of COVID-19, community members have been told that the pathogens detected were unlikely to have been the coronavirus.
Last week it was reported that seventeen out of the approximately 650 residents in Bidyadanga, Western Australia's largest Indigenous community, had tested positive for the virus. Numbers were expected to grow, given that the surrounding communities of Beagle Bay and Mantamaru (Jameson) in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands had also reported outbreaks.
The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service deployed Rapid Response Teams to the affected communities to work with local clinic staff and leaders to deliver a planned emergency response.
But on Monday, the KAMS released a statement revealing that, after close examination of the tests by expert medical scientists, Bidyadanga and Beagle Bay residents had not tested positive for COVID-19.
"Further tests in Perth confirmed positive readings. Swabs from both communities underwent additional testing – using another testing platform – which indicated negative readings," it read.
"Weak detection results using PCR tests can occur because of detection early or late in the course of infection, or occasionally they can be false positives."
The finding was confirmed by the state's Department of Health yesterday, stating the communities had been given an “all clear” COVID-19 result.
Dr Andrew Robertson, Chief Health Officer, said that priority would always be given to protecting remote Aboriginal communities.
“We took a precautionary approach based on the information we had at the time, and we acted quickly," he said.
“Our remote communities will always receive a prioritised public health response, as we need to protect our most vulnerable citizens."
While the backpedaling has caused frustrations, the KAMS has said they are unable to comment on the testing swabs that were used until further information is returned from medical teams.
"We have sufficient access to RATs and alternative ways of COVID-19 testing for both communities.
"Testing will continue with new processes. "
The health service have stated they will continue to test and support the residents of the community as they continue to transition out of the emergency response.
The rapid response team will continue in their efforts to boost vaccination rates in the community.
The current double-dose rate for residents sits at 90 per cent, but just under 10 per cent have had booster shots.
KAMS have urged the community to continue getting vaccinated and said it is "critical" that they remain safe by continuing to use masks and getting tested when showing any respiratory and cold symptoms.
