Statement by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services

19 May 2021

We appreciate the cooperation of the people of Fiji in staying at home, avoiding unnecessary contacts outside the immediate family, quickly reporting symptoms and potential contacts with infected persons, and using the careFIJI app. All of these actions will help us contain this virus. We also appreciate the cooperation of the business houses and employers in working with Government to implement strict Covid safe protocols and measures. The details of how businesses can access approvals to operate under the strict Covid safe protocols and measures are available on the Fijian Government Facebook. You can also email covidbizpass@mcttt.gov.fj for further information.

Transmission Update

After another 2974 tests, we have recorded 11 new positive cases. The first six are related to the Vunimono/Nadali cluster and were in home isolation. The next 5 are household contacts of a previous case. They have been in a quarantine facility in Nausori, and tested negative for their entry swabs while being admitted to the facility, but now have tested positive for their 2nd swabs in quarantine.

Three previously infected patients have recovered, which means there are currently 57 active cases in home isolation or quarantine facilities.

Vaccine Update

We now have more vaccines through COVAX and will receive further deliveries from Australia later this week. By the end of the week, we will have approximately 86,000 doses and will be able to begin our next round of inoculation by next week. Our priority will be to provide first-dose inoculation to the rest of the frontline workers including those who have a high level of public contact in their employment such as taxi and bus drivers and those working in supermarkets; Fijians living in densely populated areas; and to individuals who are particularly vulnerable because of age, compromised immunity and certain chronic illnesses. Furthermore, we will complete the vaccination process for those who have already received their first dose.

The vaccination plan includes taking vaccines to Fijians through mobile units. This will ensure that all Fijians will be able to access the vaccine without having to travel far or wait too long in queues. For further convenience to members of the public, we will also have drive-through vaccination sites. The locations of the mobile vaccination teams will be announced early next week.