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COVID-19 Update – 05-09-2021

Media Release

COVID-19 Daily Update

Sunday, September 5th, 2021

Transmission Update

We have 156 new cases of COVID-19 to report for the 24 hour period that ended at 8 am today. 79 cases are from the Western Division, 73 cases are from the Central Division and 4 cases are from the Eastern Division.

There are 4 new COVID-19 positive cases in Kadavu and 13 new COVID-19 positive cases in Naviti, Yasawa Islands. All these individuals have been isolated.

There have been 696 new recoveries to report since the last update, which means that there are now 15,997 active cases. 4,522 active cases are in the Central Division, 11,164 active cases in the Western Division, 4 active cases in the Northern Division (Macuata), and 307 active cases in the Eastern Division (all in Kadavu). We are currently reviewing and reconciling our active case database with recoveries and as a result, we expect the recovery numbers to intermittently change markedly as verifications are made.

There have been 47,795 cases during the outbreak that started in April 2021. We have recorded a total of 47,865 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020, with 31,041 recoveries.

Deaths

There are no new COVID deaths to report today. However, there are 2 deaths currently under investigation.

There have now been 508 deaths due to COVID-19 in Fiji, with 506 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year. Please note that due to the time required by clinical teams to investigate, classify and report deaths, a 4-day interval is given to calculate the 7 day rolling average of deaths, based on the date of death, to help ensure the data collected is complete before the average is reported. Therefore, as of August 31st, the national 7 day rolling average of COVID-19 deaths per day is 4. The 7 day rolling average for COVID-19 deaths per day in the Central Division is 1 and in the Western Division is 3.

We also have recorded 319 COVID-19 positive patients who died from the serious medical conditions that they had before they contracted COVID-19; these are not classified as COVID-19 deaths.

Hospitalisations

There are currently 204 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital. 84 patients are admitted at the Lautoka Hospital, 17 patients are admitted at the FEMAT field hospital, and 103 are admitted at CWM hospital, St Giles, and Makoi. 20 patients are considered to be in severe condition, and 9 are in critical condition.

Screening Update

As of the 04th September 2021: A total of 5329 individuals were screened and 239 swabbed at our stationary screening clinics in the last 24 hours, bringing our cumulative total to 541,848 individuals screened and 91,405 swabbed to date. Our mobile screening teams screened a total of 2837 individuals and swabbed 90. This brings our cumulative total to 819,504  individuals screened and 72,871 swabbed by our mobile teams.

Testing Update

A total of 339,443 samples have been tested since this outbreak started in April 2021, with 382,304 tested since testing began in March 2020. 1297 tests have been reported for September 4th. The 7-day daily test average is 1377 tests per day or 1.6 tests per 1,000 population. Weekly testing is at 10.7 tests per 1000 population, which remains above the WHO recommended level of 4 per 1000 population per week. The national 7-day average daily test positivity is 19.7%, which is on a downward trend but still indicating a high level of community transmission.

Vaccination Update 

As of the 03rd September, 566,210 adults in Fiji have received their first dose of the vaccine and 299,943 have received their second doses. This means that 96.5% of the target population have received at least one dose and 51.1% are now fully vaccinated nationwide. As previously mentioned we are currently doing a mop-up exercise of our first dose campaign, which will allow us to specifically target communities with low coverage, and relook at certain subdivisions that are generating coverage rates beyond 100%. This will allow us to correct and update the total eligible population for our current vaccination program.

Fijians can check the Ministry’s vaccine dashboard to find real-time data on first-dose and second-dose numbers at the national, divisional, and sub-divisional levels. You can access the live dashboard at http://bit.ly/3h2JfCZ

Epidemic Outlook

The 7-day average of new cases per day is 263 cases per day or 297 cases per million population per day. As previously announced by the Permanent Secretary, daily case numbers in Suva-Nausori are currently not being used as the sole indicator to monitor the progress of the outbreak. The Ministry is closely monitoring other indicators such as test positivity, hospitalisations, and deaths to track the progress of the outbreak.

With the decrease in testing numbers, testing remains above the WHO recommended rate of 4 per 1000 population per week (or approx. 3500 tests per week). We will be transitioning to community surveillance testing as severe disease numbers and positivity rates approach the containment phase levels.

Advice to the public

Severe COVID-19

People with severe COVID-19 are still dying at home, or are coming to a medical facility in the late stages of severe illness. As mentioned by the Permanent Secretary today: 78% of COVID-19 deaths during this outbreak occurred at home, or on the way to the hospital, or within 2 days of hospital admission – giving no or little opportunity for our clinical teams to provide potentially life-saving treatment.

Severe COVID-19 is a medical emergency, and a delay in receiving appropriate medical treatment reduces your chance of recovering from the disease. You are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 if you are over the age of 50 or have a non-communicable disease or chronic disease like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or if you are obese or pregnant.

If you are at high risk of severe disease and have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body ache, headache, loss of taste/smell – please come to your nearest screening clinic to be checked and tested by our medical teams.

We need also need all Fijians to know the severe symptoms of COVID-19, which include the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Severe headache for a few days
  • New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

In Suva-Nausori we have identified health facilities specifically designated to receive people with symptoms of severe COVID-19. If you or a loved one live in Suva-Nausori and have any of these severe symptoms please go immediately to the designated health facilities listed below.

– Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH)

– FEMAT Hospital, Vodafone Arena

Individuals in Nausori with severe symptoms should go to:

– Nausori Health Centre

– Wainibokasi Hospital

In the Western Division, please go to your nearest healthcare facility if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Call 165 if you are unable to travel to a medical facility. 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is remodeling our health service provision to adapt to a more COVID Safe environment. With the increase in the proportion of NON-COVID admissions, CWMH is working on getting its services normalized to cater to COVID and NON-COVID patients. This would include resuming the outpatients and non-emergency inpatient services in a more COVID-safe manner. The Heads of Departments, together with Clinical Governance and Infection Control Teams are working on protocols to be used for patients to access Specialist Services. This would include risk assessing patients and aligning our Infection Prevention and Control measures to protect staff and patients. The Special outpatient patient clinic (SOPD Clinic) had already started a digital platform to provide telehealth and virtual consultation. Using this platform patients are called, a telephone consultation is done and prescribed medications are provided. Blood test forms have also been sent via Viber for patients to get blood tested at their nearest Health Centre. Some services such as blood donation services, bloodletting services, and processing of SOPD prescriptions for refilling are being carried out in more open spaces. The objective is to open services throughout September with particular attention to our Ophthalmology and Dental Services. Many of the CWM doctors and nurses had been deployed to FEMAT and our transition is being coordinated with the return of the deployed staff.

The public in the North is being reminded that it is important that people throughout Vanua Levu listen to advice and continue to practice COVID-19 safety measures. While all the cases in the North are related to operations on the Nabouwalu jetty, and we have lifted restrictions in Nabouwalu,  the investigations are ongoing as regards the last 3 cases from the Namara Tiri Settlement near the township of Labasa. Furthermore, whilst border health measures at all ports have been strengthened, there will always be the risk of viral leakage into the community.  In this instance, vaccination with widespread covid safe measures remains the mainstay in preventing escalated community spread.

To our maritime islanders, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services reiterates its call not to engage in unauthorized travel to and from Viti Levu. All our current protocols to regulate domestic movements have been working in removing the risk of viral leakage into your communities. As such we appeal for adherence to the protocols we have in place. Furthermore, we repeat our call to all village leaders and elders to support our current efforts to protect our maritime islands by immediately reporting any suspicious movements into your community and having in place quarantine/isolation measures to deal with all travelers into their respective communities. We also appeal for community support for Vaccination; escalating vaccination efforts in the middle of an epidemic is a difficult exercise so we are appealing for timely cooperation.

For the rest of Fiji, the change of the curfew hours and the increase of funeral gatherings to 20 persons must not make us complacent with covid safe measures.  While we have more time for shopping and carrying out other essential activities, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services advises the public that other health protection measures remain. We are reviewing some of our restrictions however please restrict movement out of your homes. When leaving home, please continue to practice COVID-19 safe measures of wearing a mask, regularly washing your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer, practice safe physical distancing of two meters and cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing; these are still critical for protection against COVID-19.

COVID-19 Update – 04-09-2021
Media Release
COVID-19 Daily Update
Saturday, 04th September 2021
 
Transmission Update
 
We have 200 new cases of COVID-19 to report for the 24 hour period that ended at 8 am today. 131 cases are from the Western Division, 67 cases are from the Central Division and 2 cases are from the Eastern Division.
 
There are 2 new COVID-19 positive cases in Kadavu, 7 new COVID-19 positive cases in Malolo Island, and 29 new COVID-19 positive cases in Naviti, Yasawa Islands. All these individuals have been isolated.
 
There have been 13 new recoveries to report since the last update, which means that there are now 16,537 active cases. 5,077 active cases are in the Central Division, 11,154 active cases in the Western Division, 4 active cases in the Northern Division (Macuata), and 302 active cases in the Eastern Division (all in Kadavu). We are currently reviewing and reconciling our active case database with recoveries and as a result, we expect the recovery numbers to intermittently change markedly as verifications are made.
 
There have been 47,639 cases during the outbreak that started in April 2021. We have recorded a total of 47,709 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020, with 30,345 recoveries.
 
Deaths
 
We have no new COVID-19 deaths to report for today.
 
There have been 2 deaths of COVID-19 positive patients. However, these deaths have been classified as non-COVID deaths by their doctors. The doctors have determined that these deaths were caused by a serious pre-existing medical condition and not COVID-19.
 
There have now been 508 deaths due to COVID-19 in Fiji, with 506 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year. Please note that due to the time required by clinical teams to investigate, classify and report deaths, a 4-day interval is given to calculate the 7 day rolling average of deaths, based on the date of death, to help ensure the data collected is complete before the average is reported. Therefore, as of August 30th, the national 7 day rolling average of COVID-19 deaths per day is 5. The 7 day rolling average for COVID-19 deaths per day in the Central Division is 1 and in the Western Division is 4.
 
We also have recorded 319 COVID-19 positive patients who died from the serious medical conditions that they had before they contracted COVID-19; these are not classified as COVID-19 deaths.
Hospitalisations
 
There are currently 219 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital. 96 patients are admitted at the Lautoka Hospital, 17 patients are admitted at the FEMAT field hospital, and 106 admitted at CWM hospital, St Giles, and Makoi. 24 patients are considered to be in severe condition, and 8 are in critical condition.
 
Screening Update
 
As of the 02nd September 2021: A total of 6,074 individuals were screened and 593 swabbed at our stationary screening clinics in the last 24 hours, bringing our cumulative total to 530,196 individuals screened and 90,555 swabbed to date. Our mobile screening teams screened a total of 625 individuals and swabbed 360. This brings our cumulative total to 814,728 individuals screened and 72,518 swabbed by our mobile teams.
 
Testing Update
 
A total of 338,146 samples have been tested since this outbreak started in April 2021, with 381,007 tested since testing began in March 2020. 1580 tests have been reported for September 3rd. The 7-day daily test average is 1368 tests per day or 1.5 tests per 1,000 population. Weekly testing is at 10.7 tests per 1000 population, which remains above the WHO recommended level of 4 per 1000 population per week. The national 7-day average daily test positivity is 22.6%, which is on a downward trend but still indicating a high level of community transmission.
 
Vaccination Update
 
As of the 03rd September, 566,128 adults in Fiji have received their first dose of the vaccine and 298,834 have received their second doses. This means that 96.5% of the target population have received at least one dose and 50.9% are now fully vaccinated nationwide. As previously mentioned we are currently doing a mop-up exercise of our first dose campaign, which will allow us to specifically target communities with low coverage, and relook at certain subdivisions that are generating coverage rates beyond 100%. This will allow us to correct and update the total eligible population for our current vaccination program.
 
Fijians can check the Ministry’s vaccine dashboard to find real-time data on first-dose and second-dose numbers at the national, divisional, and sub-divisional levels. You can access the live dashboard at http://bit.ly/3h2JfCZ
 
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services informs the public that at midday today, Saturday 04th September 2021, 298,834 of the vaccine eligible public have received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
 
With 50.9% of the vaccine eligible population now fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, the curfew will now start from 8 pm – 4 am from tonight, Saturday, 04th September 2021, as per the Honorable Prime Minister’s statement on the achievement of 50% full vaccination the 22nd August 2021. We also are announcing that funeral gathering restrictions have been increased to 20 persons. While the Health Ministry thanks members of the public who have achieved full vaccination, we appeal to those who have not received their vaccination, to visit a vaccination clinic nearest to you to receive their 2nd dose on their due date. Achieving full vaccination status for all vaccination eligible residents provides the layer of protection that protects our families, our communities, and our nation.
 
Epidemic Outlook
 
The 7-day average of new cases per day is 297 cases per day or 336 cases per million population per day. As previously announced by the Permanent Secretary, daily case numbers in Suva-Nausori are currently not being used as the sole indicator to monitor the progress of the outbreak. The Ministry is closely monitoring other indicators such as test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths to track the progress of the outbreak.
 
With the decrease in testing numbers, testing remains above the WHO recommended rate of 4 per 1000 population per week (or approx. 3500 tests per week). We will be transitioning to community surveillance testing as severe disease numbers and positivity rates approach the containment phase levels.
 
Advice to the public
Severe COVID-19
 
People with severe COVID-19 are still dying at home, or are coming to a medical facility in the late stages of severe illness. As mentioned by the Permanent Secretary today: 78% of COVID-19 deaths during this outbreak occurred at home, or on the way to the hospital, or within 2 days of hospital admission – giving no or little opportunity for our clinical teams to provide potentially life-saving treatment.
 
Severe COVID-19 is a medical emergency, and a delay in receiving appropriate medical treatment reduces your chance of recovering from the disease. You are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 if you are over the age of 50 or have a non-communicable disease or chronic disease like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or if you are obese or pregnant.
 
If you are at high risk of severe disease and have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body ache, headache, loss of taste/smell – please come to your nearest screening clinic to be checked and tested by our medical teams.
 
We need also need all Fijians to know the severe symptoms of COVID-19, which include the following:
 
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Severe headache for a few days
• New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
 
In Suva-Nausori we have identified health facilities specifically designated to receive people with symptoms of severe COVID-19.
If you or a loved one live in Suva-Nausori and have any of these severe symptoms please go immediately to the designated health facilities listed below.
 
– Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH)
– FEMAT Hospital, Vodafone Arena
 
Individuals in Nausori with severe symptoms should go to:
– Nausori Health Centre
– Wainibokasi Hospital
 
In the Western Division, please go to your nearest healthcare facility if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
 
Call 165 if you are unable to travel to a medical facility.
 
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is remodeling our health service provision to adapt to a more COVID Safe environment. With the increase in the proportion of NON-COVID admissions, CWMH is working on getting its services normalized to cater to COVID and NON-COVID patients. This would include resuming the outpatients and non-emergency inpatient services in a more COVID-safe manner. The Heads of Departments, together with Clinical Governance and Infection Control Teams are working on protocols to be used for patients to access Specialist Services. This would include risk assessing patients and aligning our Infection Prevention and Control measures to protect staff and patients. The Special outpatient patient clinic (SOPD Clinic) had already started a digital platform to provide telehealth and virtual consultation. Using this platform patients are called, a telephone consultation is done and prescribed medications are provided. Blood test forms have also been sent via Viber for patients to get blood tested at their nearest Health Centre. Some services such as blood donation services, bloodletting services, and processing of SOPD prescriptions for refilling are being carried out in more open spaces. The objective is to open services throughout September with particular attention to our Ophthalmology and Dental Services. Many of the CWM doctors and nurses had been deployed to FEMAT and our transition is being coordinated with the return of the deployed staff.
 
The public in the North is being reminded that it is important that people throughout Vanua Levu listen to advice and continue to practice COVID-19 safety measures. While all the cases in the North are related to operations on the Nabouwalu jetty, and we have lifted restrictions in Nabouwalu, the investigations are ongoing as regards the last 3 cases from the Namara Tiri Settlement near the township of Labasa. Furthermore, whilst border health measures at all ports have been strengthened, there will always be the risk of viral leakage into the community. In this instance, vaccination with widespread covid safe measures remains the mainstay in preventing escalated community spread.
 
To our maritime islanders, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services reiterates its call not to engage in unauthorized travel to and from Viti Levu. All our current protocols to regulate domestic movements have been working in removing the risk of viral leakage into your communities. As such we appeal for adherence to the protocols we have in place. Furthermore, we repeat our call to all village leaders and elders to support our current efforts to protect our maritime islands by immediately reporting any suspicious movements into your community and having in place quarantine/isolation measures to deal with all travelers into their respective communities. We also appeal for community support for Vaccination; escalating vaccination efforts in the middle of an epidemic is a difficult exercise so we are appealing for timely cooperation.
 
For the rest of Fiji, the change of the curfew hours and the increase of funeral gatherings to 20 persons must not make us complacent with covid safe measures. While we have more time for shopping and carrying out other essential activities, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services advises the public that other health protection measures remain. We are reviewing some of our restrictions however please restrict movement out of your homes. When leaving home, please continue to practice COVID-19 safe measures of wearing a mask, regularly washing your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer, practice safe physical distancing of two meters and cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing; these are still critical for protection against COVID-19.
COVID-19 Update – 03-09-2021

Media Release

COVID-19 Daily Update

Friday, 03rd September 2021

Transmission Update

We have 253 new cases of COVID-19 to report for the 24 hour period that ended at 8 am today. 163 cases are from the Western Division, 59 cases are from the Central Division and 31 cases are from the Eastern Division.

There are 31 new COVID-19 positive cases in Kadavu, 2 new COVID-19 positive cases in Solevu Village in Malolo Island, and 21 new COVID-19 positive cases in the Yasawa Islands. All these individuals have been isolated.

There have been 163 new recoveries to report since the last update, which means that there are now 16,352 active cases.5021 active cases are in the Central Division, 11,025 active cases in the Western Division, 5 active cases in the Northern Division (Nabouwalu and Macuata), and 301 active cases in the Eastern Division (all in Kadavu). We are currently reviewing and reconciling our active case database with recoveries and as a result, we expect the recovery numbers to intermittently change markedly as verifications are made.

There have been 47,439 cases during the outbreak that started in April 2021. We have recorded a total of 47,509 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020, with 30,332 recoveries.

Deaths

We have 3 new COVID-19 deaths to report for the period from 31st August- 02nd September. Two deaths reported were from the Western Division and one death was reported from the Central Division.

The first COVID-19 death to report is a 43-year-old man from Nadi. He was declared dead on arrival by the attending medical officer at the Nadi Hospital. This means that he died at home or on his way to the hospital (02/09/2021). His family reported that he had developed shortness of breath in the evening prior to his presentation. He was not vaccinated.

The second COVID-19 death to report is an 84-year-old man from Sigatoka. He was declared dead on arrival by the attending medical officer at the Sigatoka Hospital. This means that he died at home or on his way to the hospital (31/08/2021). He was not vaccinated

The third COVID-19 death to report 71-year-old man from Suva. He was declared dead on arrival by the attending medical officer at the CWM Hospital Emergency Department. This means that he died at home or on his way to the hospital (02/09/2021). He was not vaccinated.

There have been 2 more deaths of COVID-19 positive patients. However, these deaths have been classified as non-COVID deaths by their doctors. The doctors have determined that these deaths were caused by a serious pre-existing medical condition and not COVID-19.

There have now been 508 deaths due to COVID-19 in Fiji, with 506 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year. Please note that due to the time required by clinical teams to investigate, classify and report deaths, a 4-day interval is given to calculate the 7 day rolling average of deaths, based on the date of death, in order to help ensure the data collected is complete before the average is reported. Therefore, as of August 29th, the national 7 day rolling average of COVID-19 deaths per day is 5. The 7 day rolling average for COVID-19 deaths per day in the Central Division is 1 and in the Western Division is 4.

We also have recorded 317 COVID-19 positive patients who died from the serious medical conditions that they had before they contracted COVID-19; these are not classified as COVID-19 deaths.

Hospitalisations

There are currently 221 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital. 98 patients are admitted at the Lautoka Hospital, 18 patients are admitted at the FEMAT field hospital, and 105 are admitted at CWM hospital, St Giles, and Makoi. 16 patients are considered to be in severe condition, and 10 are in critical condition.

Screening Update

A total of 6,074 individuals were screened and 593 swabbed at our stationary screening clinics in the last 24 hours, bringing our cumulative total to 530,196 individuals screened and 90,555 swabbed to date. As of the 02nd of September, our mobile screening teams screened a total of 625 individuals and swabbed 360. This brings our cumulative total to 814,728 individuals screened and 72,518 swabbed by our mobile teams.

Testing update

A total of 336,566 samples have been tested since this outbreak started in April 2021, with 379,427 tested since testing began in March 2020. 1292 tests have been reported for September 02nd. The 7-day daily test average is 1366 tests per day or 1.5 tests per 1,000 population. Weekly testing is at 10.7 tests per 1000 population, which remains above the WHO recommended level of 4 per 1000 population per week. The national 7-day average daily test positivity is 23.1%, which is on a downward trend but still indicating a high level of community transmission.

Vaccination Update 

As of the 02nd September, 565,239 adults in Fiji have received their first dose of the vaccine and 291,647 have received their second doses. This means that 96.4% of the target population have received at least one dose and 49.7% are now fully vaccinated nationwide. As previously mentioned we are currently doing a mop-up exercise of our first dose campaign, which will allow us to specifically target communities with low coverage, and relook at certain subdivisions that are generating coverage rates beyond 100%. This will allow us to correct and update the total eligible population for our current vaccination program.

Fijians can check the Ministry’s vaccine dashboard to find real-time data on first-dose and second-dose numbers at the national, divisional, and sub-divisional levels. You can access the live dashboard at http://bit.ly/3h2JfCZ

Epidemic Outlook

The 7-day average of new cases per day is 305 cases per day or 345 cases per million population per day. As previously announced by the Permanent Secretary, daily case numbers in Suva-Nausori are currently not being used as the sole indicator to monitor the progress of the outbreak. The Ministry is closely monitoring other indicators such as test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths to track the progress of the outbreak.

With the decrease in testing numbers, testing remains above the WHO recommended rate of 4 per 1000 population per week (or approx. 3500 tests per week). We will be transitioning to community surveillance testing as severe disease numbers and positivity rates approach the containment phase levels.

Surveillance and testing continue in Malolo island. Three new positive cases including 2 children were diagnosed in Solevu village in the last 24 hours. Investigations revealed a possible link to the index cases, and this brings the total number of positive cases to 37. Three cases have recovered and 34 cases remain active. Strict movement restriction is in force for the island.

The intermediate team visited the villages of Somosomo, Gunu, Nasoqo, Kese & Mua-i-ra villages on Naviti island for surveillance and testing. A total of 204 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and have been sent to Lautoka hospital laboratory for analysis. 11 positive results have been obtained so far, and more positive results are expected when analysis of all swabs are completed. A pediatric case was also referred by the intermediate team to Lautoka Hospital for further care.

Surveillance and testing continue for the villages and settlements on the island of Kadavu. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from the testing are sent to Vunisea hospital and Kavala health center for analysis with the Gene Expert machines. 39 new cases were identified in the last 24 hours bringing the total number of cases on the island to 312. Of these, 145 have recovered and 167 remain active. Daily assessment of positive cases by the Community Health Workers and Zone Nurses continues with cases referred to doctors in Vunisea hospital and Kavala health center when required. A total of 6 patients are admitted at Vunisea hospital – three of whom are covid cases and 3 non-covid cases. Movement and social gathering restrictions remain in force for the whole island. Given the clear evidence of community transmission on the island, we anticipate that the number of cases will escalate further together with the risk of severe disease and death.

Screening and testing continue in the Namara Tiri containment zone in Labasa with no new cases identified in the last 24 hours.  Movement restrictions remain in force in the containment zone as well as for the whole of Labasa town

Advice to the public

Severe COVID-19

People with severe COVID-19 are still dying at home, or are coming to a medical facility in the late stages of severe illness. As mentioned by the Permanent Secretary today: 78% of COVID-19 deaths during this outbreak occurred at home, or on the way to the hospital, or within 2 days of admission to the hospital – giving no or little opportunity for our clinical teams to provide potentially life-saving treatment.

Severe COVID-19 is a medical emergency, and a delay in receiving appropriate medical treatment reduces your chance of recovering from the disease. You are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 if you are over the age of 50 or have a non-communicable disease or chronic disease like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or if you are obese or pregnant.

If you are at high risk of severe disease and have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body ache, headache, loss of taste/smell – please come to your nearest screening clinic to be checked and tested by our medical teams.

We need also need all Fijians to know the severe symptoms of COVID-19, which include the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Severe headache for a few days
  • New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

In Suva-Nausori we have identified health facilities specifically designated to receive people with symptoms of severe COVID-19. If you or a loved one live in Suva-Nausori and have any of these severe symptoms please go immediately to the designated health facilities listed below.

– Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH)

– FEMAT Hospital, Vodafone Arena

Individuals in Nausori with severe symptoms should go to:

– Nausori Health Centre

– Wainibokasi Hospital

In the Western Division, please go to your nearest healthcare facility if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Call 165 if you are unable to travel to a medical facility. 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is remodeling our health service provision to adapt to a more COVID Safe environment. With the increase in the proportion of NON-COVID admissions, CWMH is working on getting its services normalized to cater to COVID and NON-COVID patients. This would include resuming the outpatients and non-emergency inpatient services in a more COVID-safe manner. The Heads of Departments, together with Clinical Governance and Infection Control Teams are working on protocols to be used for patients to access Specialist Services. This would include risk assessing patients and aligning our Infection Prevention and Control measures to protect staff and patients. The Special outpatient patient clinic (SOPD Clinic) had already started a digital platform to provide telehealth and virtual consultation. Using this platform patients are called, a telephone consultation is done and prescribed medications are provided. Blood test forms have also been sent via Viber for patients to get blood tested at their nearest Health Centre. Some services such as blood donation services, bloodletting services, and processing of SOPD prescriptions for refilling are being carried out in more open spaces. The objective is to open services throughout September with particular attention to our Ophthalmology and Dental Services. Many of the CWM doctors and nurses had been deployed to FEMAT and our transition is being coordinated with the return of the deployed staff.

The public in the North is being reminded that it is important that people throughout Vanua Levu listen to advice and continue to practice COVID-19 safety measures. While all the cases in the North are related to operations on the Nabouwalu jetty, and we have lifted restrictions in Nabouwalu,  the investigations are ongoing as regards the last 3 cases from the Namara Tiri Settlement near the township of Labasa. Furthermore, whilst border health measures at all ports have been strengthened, there will always be the risk of viral leakage into the community.  In this instance, vaccination with widespread covid safe measures remains the mainstay in preventing escalated community spread.

To our maritime islanders, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services reiterates its call not to engage in unauthorized travel to and from Viti Levu. All our current protocols to regulate domestic movements have been working in removing the risk of viral leakage into your communities. As such we appeal for adherence to the protocols we have in place. Furthermore, we repeat our call to all village leaders and elders to support our current efforts to protect our maritime islands by immediately reporting any suspicious movements into your community and having in place quarantine/isolation measures to deal with all travelers into their respective communities. We also appeal for community support for Vaccination; escalating vaccination efforts in the middle of an epidemic is a difficult exercise so we are appealing for timely cooperation.

For the rest of Fiji, the public is requested to persist in the practice of COVID-19 safety measures of wearing a mask when leaving your home, washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer, practicing safe physical distancing of 2m, ensuring that the careFIJI app is downloaded on your phone and enabled and last but not least REMEMBER TO GET VACCINATED.

COVID-19 Update – 02-09-2021

Media Release

COVID-19 Daily Update

Friday, 02nd September 2021

Transmission Update

We have 250 new cases of COVID-19 to report for the 24 hour period that ended at 8 am today. 186 cases are from the Western Division, 51 cases are from the Central Division and 13 cases are from the Eastern Division. A full breakdown of areas of interest will be published online tonight on the Ministry’s COVID-19 dashboard. You will also be able to view the approximate locations of new cases, active cases, and recovered cases on the dashboard at the following link: http://bit.ly/3vE2ZBb

There are 13 new COVID-19 positive cases in Kadavu. This means there are now 270 active cases of COVID-19 in Kadavu. All these individuals have been isolated.

There have been 1,102 new recoveries to report since the last update, which means that there are now 16,267 active cases.5130 active cases are in the Central Division, 10,862 active cases in the Western Division, 5 active cases in the Northern Division (Nabouwalu and Macuata), and 270 active cases in the Eastern Division (all in Kadavu). We are currently reviewing and reconciling our active case database with recoveries and as a result, we expect the recovery numbers to intermittently change markedly as verifications are made.

There have been 47,186 cases during the outbreak that started in April 2021. We have recorded a total of 47,256 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020, with 30,169 recoveries.

Deaths

We have 1 new COVID-19 death to report today.

The COVID-19 death report is a 71-year-old woman from Nausori. She presented to the CWM hospital in severe respiratory distress.  Sadly, she died 1 day after admission (01/09/2021). She was not vaccinated.

There have been 4 more deaths of COVID-19 positive patients. However, these deaths have been classified as non-COVID deaths by their doctors. The doctors have determined that these deaths were caused by a serious pre-existing medical condition and not COVID-19.

There have now been 505 deaths due to COVID-19 in Fiji, with 503 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year. Please note that due to the time required by clinical teams to investigate, classify and report deaths, a 4-day interval is given to calculate the 7 day rolling average of deaths, based on the date of death, in order to help ensure the data collected is complete before the average is reported. Therefore, as of August 28th, the national 7 day rolling average of COVID-19 deaths per day is 5. The 7 day rolling average for COVID-19 deaths per day in the Central Division is 1 and in the Western Division is 4.

We also have recorded 315 COVID-19 positive patients who died from the serious medical conditions that they had before they contracted COVID-19; these are not classified as COVID-19 deaths.

Hospitalizations

As of the 01st September 2021: There are currently 241 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital. 106 patients are admitted at the Lautoka Hospital, 18 patients are admitted at the FEMAT field hospital, and 117 admitted at CWM hospital, St Giles, and Makoi. 15 patients are considered to be in severe condition, and 14 are in critical condition.

Screening Update

A total of 5,308 individuals were screened and 661 swabbed at our stationary screening clinics in the last 24 hours, bringing our cumulative total to 518,681 individuals screened and 89,437 swabbed to date. As of the 01st of September, our mobile screening teams screened a total of 1564 individuals and swabbed 163. This brings our cumulative total to 814,103 individuals screened and 72,158 swabbed by our mobile teams.

Testing Update

A total of 335,056 samples have been tested since this outbreak started in April 2021, with 377,917 tested since testing began in March 2020. 1645 tests have been reported for September 1st. Lab testing data for one lab is still being received. Lab testing data is expected to increase. The 7-day daily test average is 1387 tests per day or 1.6 tests per 1,000 population. Weekly testing is at 10.7 tests per 1000 population, which remains above the WHO recommended level of 4 per 1000 population per week. The national 7-day average daily test positivity is 22.4%, which is on a downward trend but still indicating a high level of community transmission.

Vaccination Update 

As of the 01st September, 560,940 adults in Fiji have received their first dose of the vaccine and 278,131 have received their second doses. This means that 96% of the target population have received at least one dose and 48.4% are now fully vaccinated nationwide. As previously mentioned we are currently doing a mop-up exercise of our first dose campaign, which will allow us to specifically target communities with low coverage, and relook at certain subdivisions that are generating coverage rates beyond 100%. This will allow us to correct and update the total eligible population for our current vaccination program.

Fijians can check the Ministry’s vaccine dashboard to find real-time data on first-dose and second-dose numbers at the national, divisional, and sub-divisional levels. You can access the live dashboard at http://bit.ly/3h2JfCZ

Epidemic Outlook

The 7-day average of new cases per day is 298 cases per day or 337 cases per million population per day. As previously announced by the Permanent Secretary, daily case numbers in Suva-Nausori are currently not being used as the sole indicator to monitor the progress of the outbreak. The Ministry is closely monitoring other indicators such as test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths to track the progress of the outbreak.

With the decrease in testing numbers, testing remains above the WHO recommended rate of 4 per 1000 population per week (or approx. 3500 tests per week). We will be transitioning to community surveillance testing as severe disease numbers and positivity rates approach the containment phase levels.

Screening and testing continue in the Namara Tiri containment zone with no new cases identified in the last 24 hours.  Movement restrictions remain in force in the containment zone as well as for the whole of Labasa town.

The health team at Kadavu with the support of the community engagement team are continuing their work in accessing all villages and communities. New cases continue to be diagnosed over the last 24 hours. Rapid diagnostic tests are being used also in Kadavu and as such, the total number of cases under follow-up in Kadavu is 273; 3 more than what is confirmed from Fiji CDC Data alluded to above. Of these 142 cases have recovered from the disease, and 131 active cases remain under isolation. The health risk assessment done on the active cases show that 83 cases were considered low risk, while 48 cases were in the moderate and high-risk categories, and are under close observation by the health team. Given the clear evidence of community transmission on the island, we anticipate that the number of cases will escalate further together with the risk of severe disease and death.

Surveillance and testing continue at Vunibaka settlement and Solevu village and movement restrictions remain in force for the whole island. 2 new cases were identified in Solevu village bringing a total of 32 active cases on the island. A 54-year-old male was airlifted to Lautoka Hospital yesterday afternoon and assessed to have severe COVID. he is currently in stable condition.

In one new case, a 43 years old female was diagnosed in Kese village, Naviti in the last 24 hours. Investigations suggest that the case is linked to the cases in Somosomo village. An intermediate team visited Gunu village today for further assessment and testing. Movement restrictions remain in force for all villages on the island.

Advice to the public

Severe COVID-19

People with severe COVID-19 are still dying at home, or are coming to a medical facility in the late stages of severe illness. As mentioned by the Permanent Secretary today: 78% of COVID-19 deaths during this outbreak occurred at home, or on the way to the hospital, or within 2 days of admission to the hospital – giving no or little opportunity for our clinical teams to provide potentially life-saving treatment.

Severe COVID-19 is a medical emergency, and a delay in receiving appropriate medical treatment reduces your chance of recovering from the disease. You are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 if you are over the age of 50 or have a non-communicable disease or chronic disease like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or if you are obese or pregnant.

If you are at high risk of severe disease and have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body ache, headache, loss of taste/smell – please come to your nearest screening clinic to be checked and tested by our medical teams.

We need also need all Fijians to know the severe symptoms of COVID-19, which include the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Severe headache for a few days
  • New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

In Suva-Nausori we have identified health facilities specifically designated to receive people with symptoms of severe COVID-19. If you or a loved one live in Suva-Nausori and have any of these severe symptoms please go immediately to the designated health facilities listed below.

  • Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH)
  • FEMAT Hospital, Vodafone Arena

Individuals in Nausori with severe symptoms should go to:

  • Nausori Health Centre
  • Wainibokasi Hospital

In the Western Division, please go to your nearest healthcare facility if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Call 165 if you are unable to travel to a medical facility. 

The public in the North is being reminded that it is important that people throughout Vanua Levu listen to advice and continue to practice COVID-19 safety measures. While all the cases in the North are related to operations on the Nabouwalu jetty, and we have lifted restrictions in Nabouwalu,  the investigations are ongoing as regards the last 3 cases from the Namara Tiri Settlement near the township of Labasa. Furthermore, whilst border health measures at all ports have been strengthened, there will always be the risk of viral leakage into the community.  In this instance, vaccination with widespread covid safe measures remains the mainstay in preventing escalated community spread.

To our maritime islanders, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services reiterates its call not to engage in unauthorized travel to and from Viti Levu. All our current protocols to regulate domestic movements have been working in removing the risk of viral leakage into your communities. As such we appeal for adherence to the protocols we have in place. Furthermore, we repeat our call to all village leaders and elders to support our current efforts to protect our maritime islands by immediately reporting any suspicious movements into your community and having in place quarantine/isolation measures to deal with all travelers into their respective communities. We also appeal for community support for Vaccination; escalating vaccination efforts in the middle of an epidemic is a difficult exercise so we are appealing for timely cooperation.

For the rest of Fiji, the public is requested to persist in the practice of COVID-19 safety measures of wearing a mask when leaving your home, washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer, practicing safe physical distancing of 2m, ensuring that the careFIJI app is downloaded on your phone and enabled and last but not least REMEMBER TO GET VACCINATED.

COVID-19 Update – 01-09-2021

Media Release

COVID-19 Daily Update

Wednesday, 1st September 2021

Transmission Update

We have 290 new cases of COVID-19 to report for the 24 hour period that ended at 8 am today. 128 cases are from the Western Division, 137 cases are from the Central Division and 25 cases are from the Eastern Division. A full breakdown of areas of interest will be published online tonight on the Ministry’s COVID-19 dashboard. You will also be able to view the approximate locations of new cases, active cases, and recovered cases on the dashboard at the following link: http://bit.ly/3vE2ZBb

There are 25 new COVID-19 positive cases in Kadavu. This means there are now 257 active cases of COVID-19 in Kadavu. All these individuals have been isolated.

There have been 2,306 new recoveries to report since the last update, which means that there are now 17,124 active cases. 6,182 active cases are in the Central Division, 10,680 active cases in the Western Division, 5 active cases in the Northern Division (Nabouwalu and Macuata), and 257 active cases in the Eastern Division (all in Kadavu). We are currently reviewing and reconciling our active case database with recoveries and as a result, we expect the recovery numbers to intermittently increase markedly as verifications are made.

There have been 46,936 cases during the outbreak that started in April 2021. We have recorded a total of 47,006 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020, with 29,067 recoveries.

Deaths

We have 8 new COVID-19 deaths to report for the period from the 27th August- 1st September 2021. Seven deaths were reported from the Western Division and one death was reported from the Central Division.

The first COVID-19 death to report is an 87-year-old man from Suva. He presented to the CWM hospital in severe respiratory distress.  He died 9 days after admission (30/08/2021). He was not vaccinated.

The second COVID-19 death to report is a 56-year-old man from Tavua. He presented to the Tavua hospital in severe respiratory distress.  He died 8 days after admission (30/08/2021). He received the first dose of the vaccine in mid-July. He did not receive the second dose of the vaccine. This means that he was not fully vaccinated.

The third COVID-19 death to report is a 71-year-old woman from Lautoka. She presented to the Lautoka hospital in severe respiratory distress.  She died 11 days after admission (31/08/2021). She received the first dose of the vaccine in early June. She did not receive the second dose of the vaccine. This means that she was not fully vaccinated.

The fourth COVID-19 death to report is a 67-year-old man from Tavua. He presented to the Tavua hospital in severe respiratory distress. A medical team from Tavua transferred him from the Tavua Hospital to the Lautoka hospital. Sadly, he died on the same day (30/08/2021). He was not vaccinated.

The fifth COVID-19 death to report is a 76-year-old woman from Nadi who died at home on 01/09/2021. She was not vaccinated.

The sixth COVID-19 death to report is a 65-year-old man from Nadi who died at home on 30/09/2021. He received the first dose of the vaccine in late July. He did not receive the second dose of the vaccine. This means that he was not fully vaccinated.

The seventh COVID-19 death to report is a 78-year-old man from Ba who died at home on 30/09/2021. He was not vaccinated.

The eighth COVID-19 death to report is a 46-year-old woman from Sigatoka. She presented to the Korolevu Health Center in severe respiratory distress. Sadly, she died on the same day (27/08/2021). She received the first dose of the vaccine in late July. She did not receive the second dose of the vaccine. This means that she was not fully vaccinated.

There have been 3 more deaths of COVID-19 positive patients. However, these deaths have been classified as non-COVID deaths by their doctors. The doctors have determined that these deaths were caused by a serious pre-existing medical condition and not COVID-19.

There have now been 504 deaths due to COVID-19 in Fiji, with 502 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year. Please note that due to the time required by clinical teams to investigate, classify and report deaths, a 4-day interval is given to calculate the 7 day rolling average of deaths, based on the date of death, to help ensure the data collected is complete before the average is reported. Therefore, as of August 27th, the national 7 day rolling average of COVID-19 deaths per day is 6. The 7 day rolling average for COVID-19 deaths per day in the Central Division is 2 and in the Western Division is 4.

We also have recorded 311 COVID-19 positive patients who died from the serious medical conditions that they had before they contracted COVID-19; these are not classified as COVID-19 deaths.

Hospitalizations

There are currently 241 COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital. 106 patients are admitted at the Lautoka Hospital, 18 patients are admitted at the FEMAT field hospital, and 117 admitted at CWM hospital, St Giles, and Makoi. 15 patients are considered to be in severe condition, and 14 are in critical condition.

Screening Update

A total of 5,308 individuals were screened and 661 swabbed at our stationary screening clinics in the last 24 hours, bringing our cumulative total to 518,681 individuals screened and 89,437 swabbed to date. As of the 31st of August, our mobile screening teams screened a total of 1609 individuals and swabbed 353. This brings our cumulative total to 812,539 individuals screened and 71,995 swabbed by our mobile teams.

Testing Update

A total of 333,386 samples have been tested since this outbreak started in April 2021, with 376,247 tested since testing began in March 2020. 1435 tests have been reported for August 31st. The 7-day daily test average is 1384 tests per day or 1.6 tests per 1,000 population. Weekly testing is at 8.8 tests per 1000 population, which remains above the WHO recommended level of 4 per 1000 population per week. The national 7-day average daily test positivity is 23.9%, which is on a downward trend but still indicating a high level of community transmission.

Vaccination Update 

As of the 31st of August, 560,336 adults in Fiji have received their first dose of the vaccine and 275,072 have received their second doses. This means that 95.9% of the target population have received at least one dose and 47.6% are now fully vaccinated nationwide. As previously mentioned we are currently doing a mop-up exercise of our first dose campaign, which will allow us to specifically target communities with low coverage, and relook at certain subdivisions that are generating coverage rates beyond 100%. This will allow us to correct and update the total eligible population for our current vaccination program.

Fijians can check the Ministry’s vaccine dashboard to find real-time data on first-dose and second-dose numbers at the national, divisional, and sub-divisional levels. You can access the live dashboard at http://bit.ly/3h2JfCZ

Our digital COVID-19 Vaccination Registry securely verifies registrations in real-time using birth information from the Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registry and the citizenship and permit information from the Department of Immigration. We believe in maintaining a digital registry because it is more secure and allows for easy access to vaccine information so that fully vaccinated members of the public can easily access their vaccine status.

In some instances, data was recorded manually. That data is currently being input into the digital registry through a rigorous process of data rectification.

While there is an understandable delay in uploading the manual record of vaccines to the digital registry, we have not found a case where a person’s vaccination record was not recorded digitally or manually.

Epidemic Outlook

The 7-day average of new cases per day is 323 cases per day or 365 cases per million population per day. As previously announced by the Permanent Secretary, daily case numbers in Suva-Nausori are currently not being used as the sole indicator to monitor the progress of the outbreak. The Ministry is closely monitoring other indicators such as test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths to track the progress of the outbreak.

With the decrease in testing numbers, testing remains above the WHO recommended rate of 4 per 1000 population per week (or approx. 3500 tests per week). We will be transitioning to community surveillance testing as severe disease numbers and positivity rates approach the containment phase levels.

With no new cases identified in the Nabouwalu containment area, the lockdown for the Nabouwalu containment area has been lifted.  The movement restriction in the Namara Tiri containment zone remains in force, and surveillance of the community, as well as follow-up of contacts, is ongoing. There are ongoing investigations and testings to verify the final number of contacts.

The health team with the support of the community engagement team are continuing their work in accessing all villages and communities in Kadavu. Given the clear evidence of community transmission on the island, we anticipate that the number of cases will escalate further together with the risk of severe disease and death.

While the two index cases at Cobi village in Malolo Island have been recovered and cleared by the Health team, there are still 22 active cases in Vunabaka and 5 active cases in Solevu Village. Surveillance and testing continue at Vunibaka settlement and Solevu village and movement restriction remains in force for the whole island. There are now 27 active cases in Malolo, all of whom are linked to the 2 index cases.

Ongoing surveillance and testing on Naviti Island have identified ten more cases of COVID-19 with positive cases now noted in Somosomo village, Nasoqo settlement, Kese village, and Muara village. Gunu Village has also been identified as high risk and as such with the facilitation of the Assistant Roko for Yasawa, a health team will visit Gunu village tomorrow and conduct assessment and testing for contacts and symptomatic cases. The tests will need to be run at Lautoka hospital to confirm the number of cases of COVID-19 in the village. In the coming days, a whole-of-Government community engagement and response team is also planned to visit the villages and settlements in Naviti and Viwa Island to conduct surveillance and testing, awareness sessions, and attend to immediate health and social needs that will be identified during the visit.

Advice to the public

Severe COVID-19

People with severe COVID-19 are still dying at home, or are coming to a medical facility in the late stages of severe illness. As mentioned by the Permanent Secretary today: 78% of COVID-19 deaths during this outbreak occurred at home, or on the way to the hospital, or within 2 days of hospital admission – giving no or little opportunity for our clinical teams to provide potentially life-saving treatment.

Severe COVID-19 is a medical emergency, and a delay in receiving appropriate medical treatment reduces your chance of recovering from the disease. You are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 if you are over the age of 50 or have a non-communicable disease or chronic disease like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or if you are obese or pregnant.

If you are at high risk of severe disease and have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body ache, headache, loss of taste/smell – please come to your nearest screening clinic to be checked and tested by our medical teams.

We need also need all Fijians to know the severe symptoms of COVID-19, which include the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Severe headache for a few days
  • New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

In Suva-Nausori we have identified health facilities specifically designated to receive people with symptoms of severe COVID-19. If you or a loved one live in Suva-Nausori and have any of these severe symptoms please go immediately to the designated health facilities listed below.

– Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH)

– FEMAT Hospital, Vodafone Arena

Individuals in Nausori with severe symptoms should go to:

– Nausori Health Centre

– Wainibokasi Hospital

In the Western Division, please go to your nearest healthcare facility if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Call 165 if you are unable to travel to a medical facility. 

The public in the North is being reminded that it is important that people throughout Vanua Levu listen to advice and continue to practice COVID-19 safety measures. While all the cases in the North are related to operations on the Nabouwalu jetty, and we have lifted restrictions in Nabouwalu,  the investigations are ongoing as regards the last 3 cases from the Namara Tiri Settlement near the township of Labasa. Furthermore, whilst border health measures at all ports have been strengthened, there will always be the risk of viral leakage into the community.  In this instance, vaccination with widespread covid safe measures remains the mainstay in preventing escalated community spread.

For the rest of Fiji, the public is requested to persist in the practice of COVID-19 safety measures of wearing a mask when leaving your home, washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer, practicing safe physical distancing of 2m, ensuring that the careFIJI app is downloaded on your phone and enabled and last but not least REMEMBER TO GET VACCINATED.