Last Updated on 4 years by Publishing Team
‘Dispelling rumours and false information’
The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services is advising the public against spreading false information and rumours that have recently been circulated about 2019-nCoV in Fiji. Just as we did during the measles outbreak- the Ministry will inform the public as soon as possible once we have a confirmed case of 2019-nCoV. There are currently no confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV in Fiji
Rumours about Lautoka hospital confirmed case on Friday 31st January
A circulating rumour is that Lautoka hospital has a confirmed case of 2019-nCoV after medical staff were seen wearing personal protective equipment on Friday 31st January. The truth is that the Lautoka Hospital Novel Coronavirus Infection Contingency Plan (LHNCICP) was activated on Friday 31st January after a patient was reviewed by doctors in the emergency department. The LHNCICP contingency plan was activated as a precaution. After further investigation it was determined that the patient was not a suspected case of 2019-nCoV (the patient did not have respiratory symptoms or a relevant travel history) and the contingency plan was stood down.
The rapid activation of the Lautoka Hospital Novel Coronavirus Infection Contingency Plan 3 (LHNCICP) is an indication of the high level of alert that our health staff have for this new disease and the plans that are already in place to address it.
Fiji Airways flight Singapore-Nadi FJ360 flight on Sunday February 2nd 2020
Our health team at Nadi airport were informed by Fiji Airways prior to the landing of FJ360 of a sick cabin crew member on board. Upon landing, established disembarkation procedures for a sick passenger/crew were enacted, and the sick crew member was examined by our doctors. The cabin crew member was assessed as not suspected case of 2019-nCoV based on symptoms and absence of relevant travel history.
The Ministry commends Fiji Airways for the rapid notification to our team on the ground. This and the rapid response by our team is an indication of the strengthened health measures at our borders.
What can you do?
The Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services wishes to strongly urge the public to not share rumours and misinformation. 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 2019-nCoV and other diseases?
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
- 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 Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services is monitoring the developing situation and will provide updates regularly to the public.