Category Press Release

COVID-19 Update

Thursday 02nd March

Public Advisory

Influenza and Acute Respiratory Illness

Our surveillance systems show that we continue to have a high level of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illnesses since early December as part of the usual flu season. The influenza A virus has been isolated in sick cases. We have escalated Flu testing in selected sites and monitored hospital admission data to keep watch on trends.

LTDD

For Leptospirosis, there had been a general downward trend in the weekly incidence of lab-confirmed cases – case numbers were noted to be below the Average Thresholds for each of the 4 divisions and nationally. Cumulatively to date, the majority of lab-reported Lepto cases are from the Central Division (43%), followed then by the Western, Northern and Eastern Divisions. The majority of lab-reported cases are male (55%) or I-Taukei (73%). Most affected are persons in the 10-29 years old age group. However, we are expecting a rise in LTDD cases given the current weather conditions.

There has been a reported increasing trend in Typhoid cases, most of which were in the Western division with the majority lab reported cases being male (57%), or in the 10-39 years old age group. All lab-reported cases are i-Ttaukei.

There is a general upward trend in the incidence of lab-reported cases of Dengu however only the Northern Division incidence surpasses its Outbreak Threshold. The increase in Northern case numbers is driving the national trend to approach the national outbreak threshold. Majority of lab-reported cases are male (52%) or i-Taukei (54%), and most affected persons are in the 20-59 years old age group.

We continue to request the public to keep their surroundings clean and free from mosquito breeding sites. We are also requesting people wear appropriate footwear in muddy areas and areas with stagnant water. Our health inspectors have been diligently going out to inspect places of concern and actively applying punitive measures to property owners who have not been compliant in keeping their environment clean. Proper adherence to hand cleaning before meals and after using the washroom is strongly encouraged. We also encourage the public to be aware of the early indications of LTDD and ensure early presentation. Despite the high number of LTDD cases, we are grateful that severe disease cases have not been as high as before, primarily because more cases are being treated early.

For COVID-19;

There is a continuing report of COVID-19 cases however our case numbers are declining and likewise absenteeism rates from selected industries. However, we have registered (two) 02 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital. Correspondingly, we continue to focus on implementing COVID safe measures around those vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19. This includes escalating measures in hospitals, old people’s homes and facilities catering for disabled persons. As such we expect to escalate screening protocols and masking for staff, patients and visitors. Furthermore, visitor restrictions will be in place.

We currently enjoy a high level of protection from severe disease and as such we have supported the rescinding of all vaccine mandates. So far despite the surge in cases the impact on hospital admission has remained manageable. There is expected to be some immune escape capability that makes the variant more transmissible. The elderly, those with chronic diseases, pregnant mothers and children with disabilities need to be closely watched in this regard.

We emphasise the point that strengthening our ability to live with COVID means we remain vigilant, maintain community-wide adoption of COVID safe measures where appropriate, and keep the impetus for immunisation This is the only means to reduce the disease spread and protect those in the community who are less able to fend for themselves.

Also, anyone who falls sick should not be attending work or school, especially if they have COVID-19-like symptoms. You must get tested for COVID-19, and if tested positive, 7-day isolation is mandatory.

COVID-19 Vaccination

We have been reporting that 100% of our estimated adult population have received one dose and 95% have received the second dose. The vaccination of our target population has been progressing well with the 12 years and above coverage rate for Fiji being 99% for Dose 1 and 89% for Dose 2.

Furthermore, as of the 01st of March, 171,073 (54.7%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 29,290 individuals have been administered the 4th dose.

Increasing Vaccine Booster Coverage Program

The following COVID-19 vaccination services are currently offered at the sites:

• 1st and 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccines for 12 years and above
• 1st and 2nd dose of COVID-19 boosters for 18 years and above

An individual is eligible for the first booster dose 3 months after receiving the 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the 2nd booster dose 4 months after receiving the 1st booster dose.

The public is advised that the COVID-19 vaccination programme for children aged 5-11 years old is currently unavailable and the Ministry will advise once the programme resumes.

To register online for the first dose, please visit vra.digitalfiji.gov.fj

The public is reminded that vaccination sites strictly close at 3 pm. Therefore, any person going to the site in the afternoon is requested to be present at least by 1.30 pm.

Sites for vaccination will be operational from 9 am – 3 pm each day (Monday – Friday) while Suva Health Center will also operate on Saturdays (9 am – 3 pm).

The list of sites is available at: bit.ly/35Fozux

COVID-19 Update

Friday 24th February

COVID-19 Vaccination

We have been reporting that 100% of our estimated adult population have received one dose and 95% have received the second dose. The vaccination of our target population has been progressing well with the 12 years and above coverage rate for Fiji being 99% for Dose 1 and 89% for Dose 2.

Furthermore, as of the 23rd of February, 171,060 (54.7%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 29,273 individuals have been administered the 4th dose.

Increasing Vaccine Booster Coverage Program

The following COVID-19 vaccination services are currently offered at the sites:

• 1st and 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccines for 12 years and above
• 1st and 2nd dose of COVID-19 boosters for 18 years and above

An individual is eligible for the first booster dose 3 months after receiving the 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the 2nd booster dose 4 months after receiving the 1st booster dose.

The public is advised that the COVID-19 vaccination programme for children aged 5-11 years old is currently unavailable and the Ministry will advise once the programme resumes.

To register online for the first dose, please visit vra.digitalfiji.gov.fj

The public is reminded that vaccination sites strictly close at 3 pm. Therefore, any person going to the site in the afternoon is requested to be present at least by 1.30 pm.

Sites for vaccination will be operational from 9 am – 3 pm each day (Monday – Friday) while Suva Health Center will also operate on Saturdays (9 am – 3 pm).

The list of sites is available at: bit.ly/35Fozux

COVID-19 Update

Thursday 16th February

Public Advisory

Our surveillance systems show an increase in reporting of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illnesses since early December. We have always known that the early part of each year is considered our flu season. Influenza lab testing indicates the same trend and that we are now seeing an increase in a type of Influenza A scientifically labelled as FluA/H1 Pdm. This has been isolated in some of the severe cases seen in the 3 major hospitals. Most patients are above the age of 40 and have a number of comorbidities.

We have also seen a number of severe COVID diseases in this current outbreak which we reported as starting from mid-November and is currently on a decreasing trend. We reported 5 deaths. All the deaths occurred in elderly people who presented late and had a number of comorbidities. Consistent with past trends the deaths have occurred toward the tail end of the wave as it does take weeks for the disease to get to the vulnerable and less mobile members of the population.

The recent adverse weather has also resulted in an increase in LTDD however severe disease has not been marked as in previous years.

The Ministry of Health released public advice on the 3rd of January 26, 2023, regarding this and is again attached to this statement.

Public Advisory released on 03/01/2022: Minimise movement and consider wearing face coverings when going out if feeling unwell

Furthermore, we have Tamiflu (antiviral medications) stock which is being distributed and we are sourcing Flu vaccines which will be offered to those vulnerable to the severe effects of Influenza and to frontline staff. Surveillance has also been escalated and we await more recent reports to determine ongoing trends. We also working with WHO to increase our stocks of flu testing reagents and consumables.

For COVID-19;

Our data indicate that we currently have a high level of immune protection given the low impact of the current wave on admission capacity.

There is a continuing report of COVID-19 cases however our case numbers are declining and likewise absenteeism rates from selected industries. However, we have registered (ten) 10 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital. Correspondingly, we continue to focus on implementing COVID safe measures around those vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19. This includes escalating measures in hospitals, old people’s homes and facilities catering for disabled persons. As such we expect to escalate screening protocols and masking for staff, patients and visitors. Furthermore, visitor restrictions will be in place.

For the general public, we are advising that the elderly, those with chronic disease, and children with disabilities need to receive 4 doses of the vaccine and measures need to be taken to ensure they are brought to the hospital early if there is an early indication of feeling unwell, especially with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, COVID safe measures need to be instituted around the elderly, those with chronic disease, pregnant mothers and children with disabilities. This involves proper masking of those caring for vulnerable persons, safe physical distancing for those visiting them, and ensuring they engage in highly ventilated spaces when they venture out of their homes. It is important for those with chronic diseases to be on proper treatment that ensures the optimal control of their diseases. This means that diabetics need their blood sugar to be as near normal as possible, hypertensives need their blood pressure well controlled and those with cardiac conditions to be as symptom-free as possible.

Consistent with the experience in other countries with high vaccination rates, we anticipate a manageable impact in hospital admissions for COVID-19 disease despite increasing case numbers. While immune protection from the severe disease remains, there is expected to be some immune escape capability that makes the variant more transmissible. The elderly, those with chronic diseases, pregnant mothers and children with disabilities need to be closely watched in this regard.

We emphasise the point that strengthening our ability to live with COVID means we remain vigilant, maintain community-wide adoption of COVID safe measures where appropriate, and keep the impetus for immunisation This is the only means to reduce the disease spread and protect those in the community who are less able to fend for themselves.

Before noting the recent increase in COVID cases, we had initiated rescinding some COVID-related public health measures relating to nightclubs, churches, sporting events and high-risk businesses. The decision to relax public health measures is based on the low number of admissions and severe cases despite the current changes in case numbers. The planned relaxation of public health measures will not have any adverse effect in terms of the number of severe COVID cases we expect to see from the recent increase in case numbers.

Also, anyone who falls sick should not be attending work or school, especially if they have COVID-19-like symptoms. You must get tested for COVID-19, and if tested positive, 7-day isolation is mandatory.

COVID-19 Vaccination

We have been reporting that 100% of our estimated adult population have received one dose and 95% have received the second dose. The vaccination of our target population has been progressing well with the 12 years and above coverage rate for Fiji being 99% for Dose 1 and 89% for Dose 2.

Furthermore, as of the 15th of February, 170,903 (54.6%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 29,215 individuals have been administered the 4th dose.

Increasing Vaccine Booster Coverage Program

The following COVID-19 vaccination services are currently offered at the sites:

• 1st and 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccines for 12 years and above
• 1st and 2nd dose of COVID-19 boosters for 18 years and above

An individual is eligible for the first booster dose 3 months after receiving the 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the 2nd booster dose 4 months after receiving the 1st booster dose.

The public is advised that the COVID-19 vaccination programme for children aged 5-11 years old is currently unavailable and the Ministry will advise once the programme resumes.

To register online for the first dose, please visit vra.digitalfiji.gov.fj

The public is reminded that vaccination sites strictly close at 3 pm. Therefore, any person going to the site in the afternoon is requested to be present at least by 1.30 pm.

Sites for vaccination will be operational from 9 am – 3 pm each day (Monday – Friday) while Suva Health Center will also operate on Saturdays (9 am – 3 pm).

The list of sites is available at: bit.ly/35Fozux

COVID-19 Update

Thursday 09th February

Public Advisory

Our surveillance systems show an increase in reporting of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illnesses since early December. We have always known that the early part of each year is considered our flu season. Influenza lab testing indicates the same trend and that we are now seeing an increase in a type of Influenza A scientifically labelled as FluA/H1 Pdm. This has been isolated in some of the severe cases seen in the 3 major hospitals. Most patients are above the age of 40 and have a number of comorbidities.

We have also seen a number of severe COVID diseases in this current outbreak which we reported as starting from mid-November and is currently on a decreasing trend. We reported 5 deaths. All the deaths occurred in elderly people who presented late and had a number of comorbidities. Consistent with past trends the deaths have occurred toward the tail end of the wave as it does take weeks for the disease to get to the vulnerable and less mobile members of the population.

The recent adverse weather has also resulted in an increase in LTDD however severe disease has not been marked as in previous years.

The Ministry of Health released public advice on the 3rd of January 26, 2023, regarding this and it is once again attached to this statement.

Public Advisory released on 03/01/2022: Minimise movement and consider wearing face coverings when going out if feeling unwell

Furthermore, we have Tamiflu (antiviral medications) stock which is being distributed and we are sourcing Flu vaccines which will be offered to those vulnerable to the severe effects of Influenza and to frontline staff. Surveillance has also been escalated and we await more recent reports to determine ongoing trends. We also working with WHO to increase our stocks of flu testing reagents and consumables.

For COVID-19;

Our data indicate that we currently have a high level of immune protection given the low impact the current wave is having on admission capacity.

There is a continuing report of COVID-19 cases however our case numbers are declining and likewise absenteeism rates from selected industries. However, we have registered (ten) 10 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital. Correspondingly, we continue to focus on implementing COVID safe measures around those vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19. This includes escalating measures in hospitals, old people’s homes and facilities catering for disabled persons. As such we expect to escalate screening protocols and masking for staff, patients and visitors. Furthermore, visitor restrictions will be in place.

For the general public, we are advising that the elderly, those with chronic disease, and children with disabilities need to receive 4 doses of the vaccine and measures need to be taken to ensure they are brought to the hospital early if there is an early indication of feeling unwell, especially with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, COVID safe measures need to be instituted around the elderly, those with chronic disease, pregnant mothers and children with disabilities. This involves proper masking of those caring for vulnerable persons, safe physical distancing for those visiting them, and ensuring they engage in highly ventilated spaces when they venture out of their homes. It is important for those with chronic diseases to be on proper treatment that ensures the optimal control of their diseases. This means that diabetics need their blood sugar to be as near normal as possible, hypertensives need their blood pressure well controlled and those with cardiac conditions to be as symptom-free as possible.

Consistent with the experience in other countries with high vaccination rates, we anticipate a manageable impact in hospital admissions for COVID-19 disease despite increasing case numbers. While immune protection from the severe disease remains, there is expected to be some immune escape capability that makes the variant more transmissible. The elderly, those with chronic diseases, pregnant mothers and children with disabilities need to be closely watched in this regard.

We emphasise the point that strengthening our ability to live with COVID means we remain vigilant, maintain community-wide adoption of COVID safe measures where appropriate, and keep the impetus for immunisation This is the only means to reduce the disease spread and protect those in the community who are less able to fend for themselves.

Before noting the recent increase in COVID cases, we had initiated rescinding some COVID-related public health measures relating to nightclubs, churches, sporting events and high-risk businesses. The decision to relax public health measures is based on the low number of admissions and severe cases despite the current changes in case numbers. The planned relaxation of public health measures will not have any adverse effect in terms of the number of severe COVID cases we expect to see from the recent increase in case numbers.

Also, anyone who falls sick should not be attending work or school, especially if they have COVID-19-like symptoms. You must get tested for COVID-19, and if tested positive, 7-day isolation is mandatory.

COVID-19 Vaccination

We have been reporting that 100% of our estimated adult population have received one dose and 95% have received the second dose. The vaccination of our target population has been progressing well with the 12 years and above coverage rate for Fiji being 99% for Dose 1 and 89% for Dose 2.

Furthermore, as of the 08th of February, 170,867 (54.6%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 29,208 individuals have been administered the 4th dose.

Increasing Vaccine Booster Coverage Program

We urge the public to get booster vaccine doses at the vaccination site closest to them and the list of sites is provided daily by the MHMS.  Currently, both Pfizer and Moderna are recommended for booster doses.

To optimise coverage, our current target of the booster campaign is to administer the Pfizer vaccine to those who have completed the primary series (doses 1 and 2) three or more months prior but have not yet received a booster dose.

COVID-19 booster priority populations are;

• Persons over the age of 18 years who have completed their primary series > 3 months prior can receive their 1st booster dose
• Immunocompromised persons and those over the age of 60 years who had received the 3rd booster dose, may receive the 4th dose after a period of 4 months
• Healthcare workers, port staff, tourism and others who wish to receive a 2nd booster dose may receive it after an interval of 4 months from their first booster dose.
• Anyone over 18 years who have taken their 1st booster dose can receive a 2nd booster dose after an interval of 4 months.

To register online for the first dose, please visit vra.digitalfiji.gov.fj

The public is reminded that vaccination sites strictly close at 3 pm. Therefore, any person going to the site in the afternoon is requested to be present at least by 1.30 pm.

Sites for vaccination will be operational from 9 am – 3 pm each day (Monday – Friday) while Suva Health Center will also operate on Saturdays (9 am – 3 pm).

The list of sites is available at: bit.ly/35Fozux

COVID-19 Update

Thursday 02nd February

Public Advisory

Our surveillance systems show an increase in reporting of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illnesses since early December. We have always known that the early part of each year is considered our flu season. Influenza lab testing indicates the same trend and that we are now seeing an increase in a type of Influenza A scientifically labelled as FluA/H1 Pdm. This has been isolated in some of the severe cases seen in the 3 major hospitals. Most patients are above the age of 40 and have a number of comorbidities.

We have also seen a number of severe COVID diseases in this current outbreak which we reported as starting from mid-November and is currently on a decreasing trend. We reported 5 deaths. All the deaths occurred in elderly people who presented late and had a number of comorbidities. Consistent with past trends the deaths have occurred toward the tail end of the wave as it does take weeks for the disease to get to the vulnerable and less mobile members of the population.

The recent adverse weather has also resulted in an increase in LTDD however severe disease has not been marked as in previous years.

The Ministry of Health released public advice on the 3rd of January 26, 2023, regarding this and it is once again attached to this statement.

Furthermore, we have Tamiflu (antiviral medications) stock which is being distributed and we are sourcing Flu vaccines which will be offered to those vulnerable to the severe effects of Influenza and to frontline staff. Surveillance has also been escalated and we await more recent reports to determine ongoing trends. We also working with WHO to increase our stocks of flu testing reagents and consumables.

Public Advisory released on 03/01/2022: Minimise movement and consider wearing face coverings when going out if feeling unwell

For COVID-19;

Our data indicate that we currently have a high level of immune protection given the low impact the current wave is having on admission capacity.

There is a continuing report of COVID-19 cases however our case numbers are declining and likewise absenteeism rates from selected industries. However, we have registered (ten) 10 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital. Correspondingly, we continue to focus on implementing COVID safe measures around those vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19. This includes escalating measures in hospitals, old people’s homes and facilities catering for disabled persons. As such we expect to escalate screening protocols and masking for staff, patients and visitors. Furthermore, visitor restrictions will be in place.

For the general public, we are advising that the elderly, those with chronic disease, and children with disabilities need to receive 4 doses of the vaccine and measures need to be taken to ensure they are brought to the hospital early if there is an early indication of feeling unwell, especially with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, COVID safe measures need to be instituted around the elderly, those with chronic disease, pregnant mothers and children with disabilities. This involves proper masking of those caring for vulnerable persons, safe physical distancing for those visiting them, and ensuring they engage in highly ventilated spaces when they venture out of their homes. It is important for those with chronic diseases to be on proper treatment that ensures the optimal control of their diseases. This means that diabetics need their blood sugar to be as near normal as possible, hypertensives need their blood pressure well controlled and those with cardiac conditions to be as symptom-free as possible.

Consistent with the experience in other countries with high vaccination rates, we anticipate a manageable impact in hospital admissions for COVID-19 disease despite increasing case numbers. While immune protection from the severe disease remains, there is expected to be some immune escape capability that makes the variant more transmissible. The elderly, those with chronic diseases, pregnant mothers and children with disabilities need to be closely watched in this regard.

We emphasise the point that strengthening our ability to live with COVID means we remain vigilant, maintain community-wide adoption of COVID safe measures where appropriate, and keep the impetus for immunisation This is the only means to reduce the disease spread and protect those in the community who are less able to fend for themselves.

Before noting the recent increase in COVID cases, we had initiated rescinding some COVID-related public health measures relating to nightclubs, churches, sporting events and high-risk businesses. The decision to relax public health measures is based on the low number of admissions and severe cases despite the current changes in case numbers. The planned relaxation of public health measures will not have any adverse effect in terms of the number of severe COVID cases we expect to see from the recent increase in case numbers.

Also, anyone who falls sick should not be attending work or school, especially if they have COVID-19-like symptoms. You must get tested for COVID-19, and if tested positive, 7-day isolation is mandatory.

COVID-19 Vaccination

We have been reporting that 100% of our estimated adult population have received one dose and 95% have received the second dose. The vaccination of our target population has been progressing well with the 12 years and above coverage rate for Fiji being 99% for Dose 1 and 89% for Dose 2.

Furthermore, as of the 02nd of February, 170,805 (54.6%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 29,163 individuals have been administered the 4th dose.

Increasing Vaccine Booster Coverage Program

We urge the public to get booster vaccine doses at the vaccination site closest to them and the list of sites is provided daily by the MHMS.  Currently, both Pfizer and Moderna are recommended for booster doses.

To optimise coverage, our current target of the booster campaign is to administer the Pfizer vaccine to those who have completed the primary series (doses 1 and 2) three or more months prior but have not yet received a booster dose.

COVID-19 booster priority populations are;

• Persons over the age of 18 years who have completed their primary series > 3 months prior can receive their 1st booster dose
• Immunocompromised persons and those over the age of 60 years who had received the 3rd booster dose, may receive the 4th dose after a period of 4 months
• Health care workers, port staff, tourism and others who wish to receive a 2nd booster dose may receive it after an interval of 4 months from their first booster dose.
• Anyone over 18 years who have taken their 1st booster dose can receive a 2nd booster dose after an interval of 4 months.

To register online for the first dose, please visit vra.digitalfiji.gov.fj

The public is reminded that vaccination sites strictly close at 3 pm. Therefore, any person going to the site in the afternoon is requested to be present at least by 1.30 pm.

Sites for vaccination will be operational from 9 am – 3 pm each day (Monday – Friday) while Suva Health Center will also operate on Saturdays (9 am – 3 pm).

The list of sites is available at: bit.ly/35Fozux