Media Release 10: COVID-19(novel coronavirus)

Riaz Hassan 0 Comments

Last Updated on 3 years by Publishing Team

The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services advises that there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fiji.

Yesterday, 18 February 2020, a 9-year-old boy was admitted and isolated at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH). Whilst the patient’s symptoms make it unlikely that he has COVID-19, as a precautionary measure the patient has been admitted, and laboratory tests are being undertaken to determine the cause of his illness and rule out COVID-19.

The patient has a recent international travel history, transiting via Singapore en-route to Fiji. Upon his and his family’s arrival in Nadi International Airport on 16 February 2020, the family was screened by the Ministry of Health team and cleared as none showed any symptoms of illness. All other members of the family are currently well, however have been instructed to remain at home until laboratory results are available. In addition, all precautionary public health measures have been taken to ensure that the patient is provided appropriate care, whilst reducing the risk of potential exposure to the virus, if it is confirmed.

The Ministry will provide an update to the public once laboratory test results become available.

As the symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to many other respiratory illnesses (including colds and influenza) it is expected that with time the Ministry will investigate more persons with relevant travel history and symptoms related to COVID-19. This should not alarm the public, but be an indication of the high level of alertness and precautionary approach the Ministry is taking in response to this global outbreak.

What can you do?

The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services wishes to strongly urge the public to not share rumours and misinformation. Just as we did during the measles outbreak the Ministry will inform the public as soon as possible once we have a confirmed case. Use credible sources for information on 2019-nCoV:

Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services website http://www.health.gov.fj/

Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/MoHFiji/

WHO website https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

How can you prevent yourself from getting COVID-19 and other diseases?

Frequently clean hands soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands
Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
Avoid travel to mainland China

If you have been to mainland China in the last 14 days and develop symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing), immediately contact one of the numbers listed below. If you need to see a doctor please call ahead, using the following phone numbers, before visiting to reduce the risk of infecting other patients.