Media Release 11: COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

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

Today, 19th February 2020, a 37 year old Fijian female was admitted and isolated at Labasa Hospital. She had travelled from Narita Japan on 15th February. She has respiratory symptoms and is being tested for influenza at the Fiji CDC and COVID-19 at our WHO reference laboratory in Melbourne, Victoria.

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.

  • Central 2219905
  • Eastern 2219906
  • Western 2219907
  • Northern 2219908

The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services is monitoring the developing situation and will provide updates regularly to the public.