All posts by superadmin

COVID-19 Update

Thursday 19th January

Public Advisory

For COVID-19;

As advised earlier, China is now open for inward and outward travel and given the high level of the outbreak in China and the possibility of variant formation, we are ready to review some public health border measures. At present the USA, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia have announced that all passengers arriving from China have a pre-departure COVID test. We currently do not have direct travel from China.

Our data indicate that we have a high level of immune protection given the low impact the current wave is having on admission capacity. The current wave in China is driven by known variants.

China and the countries that receive passengers directly from China have the ability to surveil for variants. We also have an in-country capacity now to surveil for other variants.

As such, our current stance is that no new travel restrictions will be put in place however, we also do not rule out the possibility of travel restrictions in the future.

There is a continuing trend in the increase in COVID-19 cases based on case numbers reported to us, positivity rates being compiled from hotel, airport and hospital workers and absenteeism rates from selected industries and schools. We also have registered (ten) 10 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital. Correspondingly, we are currently focusing 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 that have 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 maintain 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.

Prior to noting this increase, we had initiated the rescinding of 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. We believe that 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.

LTDD

We have noted rising trends in cases of Leptospirosis and Dengue however, our admission levels remain low and the mortality rate among admitted cases remains low. This is despite the fact that our reported case numbers had remained near or slightly above the outbreak level for most of this year. We acknowledge the efforts of our community leaders, community health workers and health workers in the primary health space for their efforts in facilitating early detection and treatment. Also, our divisional health teams with the support of the National Disaster Management Team staff have been carrying out pre-emptive source reduction measures in selected hotspots over the last month.

Recent heavy rain and flooding have affected many areas and communities throughout the country. The Ministry is focussing on geographical areas of concern for the purpose of mobilising extra capability to help manage communicable disease outbreaks and also escalate the promotion of preventative measures.

To reduce your individual risk, it is important to understand that exposure to animals, soil, mud, and floodwaters during work or recreation activities increases your risk of infection.

Important prevention measures include wearing fully covered footwear at all times when going outdoors, avoiding wading or swimming in flooded waters, using clean fresh water to wash up after exposure to muddy waters, and keeping all food and drinks covered and away from rats. For workplaces, practise good personal hygiene at all times, cover cuts and wounds well, and use protective equipment, especially footwear when in flooded and muddy areas.

Early treatment can decrease the severity and duration of the disease. Please seek medical care if you have recently had contact with floodwaters, mud, or animals, and develop the following symptoms: fever, muscle pain, and headache. You may also have red eyes, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, or feel weak.

Leptospirosis can be treated with appropriate antibiotic medications prescribed by a doctor if treatment is sought early. Danger signs for severe leptospirosis include shortness of breath, coughing blood, chest pain, yellow eyes/skin (jaundice), signs of bleeding (including unexplained bruising), decreased or increased urination, and difficulty staying awake. Severe leptospirosis is life-threatening, and anyone with these symptoms must be taken to the hospital immediately.

Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to clean drinking water. We strongly encourage people who live in rural areas, informal urban areas, and any other areas where access to clean drinking water is limited, to boil all drinking water. We must all also continue to practise basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

COVID-19 Vaccination

We have reported that 100% of our estimated adult population have received one dose and 95% have received the second one. 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 19th of January, 170,632 (54.6%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 29,085 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 250,000 doses of 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 12th January

Public Advisory

Recent reports by the media need to be adjusted. Our Chief Medical Advisor had discussed specifically the XXB variant, and not XXB 1.5. We have yet to isolate the XBB.1.5 however, given the characteristics of XXB 1.5 and our current travel conditions, its presence in Fiji is possible and we have just not yet picked it up. We are running up to 47 selected samples next week from around the country in the genomic sequencing unit of our Fiji CDC lab in Tamavua.

The XXB variant had been picked in specimens from travellers and one of our community cases. Thus, our announcement is that it is part of our current surge of febrile illness. In the same manner, BA.1, BA. 2, BA. 4.6, BA.5, BA 5.6, BQ. 1 and BQ1.1 have also been confirmed as part of the current surge of febrile illness.

Our understanding at present is that based on current data, all the circulating variants are more transmissible, however, protection against severe disease and hospitalization is being maintained. As such our medical caseloads remain manageable and the current wave of COVID cases is not causing undue stress to the health system.

We are also aware that XBB.1.5 isn’t significantly more severe than previous Covid-19 variants. As mentioned by the University of Sydney infectious disease expert Professor Robert Booy in a recent report, “It’s more transmissible, it’s more active, young and able to get around, but it’s not more severe, it’s not more virulent, it’s not more likely to put you in hospital.”

For COVID-19;

We have been advised that China is now open for inward and outward travel. Given the high level of the outbreak in China and the possibility of variant formation, we are ready to review some public health border measures. At present the USA, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia have announced that all passengers arriving from China have a pre-departure COVID test. We currently do not have direct travel from China.

Our data indicate that we have a high level of immune protection given the low impact the current wave is having on admission capacity. The current wave in China is driven by known variants.

China and the countries that receive passengers directly from China have the ability to surveil for variants. We also have an in-country capacity now to surveil for other variants.

As such, our current stance is that no new travel restrictions will be put in place however, we also do not rule out the possibility of travel restrictions in the future.

There is a continuing trend in the increase in COVID-19 cases based on case numbers reported to us, positivity rates being compiled from hotel, airport and hospital workers and absenteeism rates from selected industries and schools. We also have registered (ten) 10 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital. Correspondingly, we are currently focusing 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 that have 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 maintain 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.

Prior to noting this increase, we had initiated the rescinding of 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. We believe that 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.

LTDD

We have noted rising trends in cases of Leptospirosis and Dengue however, our admission levels remain low and the mortality rate among admitted cases remains low. This is despite the fact that our reported case numbers had remained near or slightly above the outbreak level for most of this year. We acknowledge the efforts of our community leaders, community health workers and health workers in the primary health space for their efforts in facilitating early detection and treatment. Also, our divisional health teams with the support of the National Disaster Management Team staff have been carrying out pre-emptive source reduction measures in selected hotspots over the last month.

Recent heavy rain and flooding have affected many areas and communities throughout the country. The Ministry is focussing on geographical areas of concern for the purpose of mobilising extra capability to help manage communicable disease outbreaks and also escalate the promotion of preventative measures.

To reduce your individual risk, it is important to understand that exposure to animals, soil, mud, and floodwaters during work or recreation activities increases your risk of infection.

Important prevention measures include wearing fully covered footwear at all times when going outdoors, avoiding wading or swimming in flooded waters, using clean fresh water to wash up after exposure to muddy waters, and keeping all food and drinks covered and away from rats. For workplaces, practise good personal hygiene at all times, cover cuts and wounds well, and use protective equipment, especially footwear when in flooded and muddy areas.

Early treatment can decrease the severity and duration of the disease. Please seek medical care if you have recently had contact with floodwaters, mud, or animals, and develop the following symptoms: fever, muscle pain, and headache. You may also have red eyes, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, or feel weak.

Leptospirosis can be treated with appropriate antibiotic medications prescribed by a doctor if treatment is sought early. Danger signs for severe leptospirosis include shortness of breath, coughing blood, chest pain, yellow eyes/skin (jaundice), signs of bleeding (including unexplained bruising), decreased or increased urination, and difficulty staying awake. Severe leptospirosis is life-threatening, and anyone with these symptoms must be taken to the hospital immediately.

Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to clean drinking water. We strongly encourage people who live in rural areas, informal urban areas, and any other areas where access to clean drinking water is limited, to boil all drinking water. We must all also continue to practise basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

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 11th of January, 170,563 (54.5%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 29,039 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 250,000 doses of 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

COVID-19 Update

Thursday 05th January

Public Advisory

For COVID-19;

We have been advised that China is now open for inward and outward travel. Given the high level of the outbreak in China and the possibility of variant formation, we are ready to review some public health border measures. At present the USA, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia have announced that all passengers arriving from China have a pre-departure COVID test. We currently do not have direct travel from China.

Our data indicate that we have a high level of immune protection given the low impact the current wave is having on admission capacity. The current wave in China is driven by known variants.

China and the countries that receive passengers directly from China have the ability to surveil for variants. We also have the in-country capacity now to surveil for variants.

As such, our current stance is that no new travel restrictions will be put in place however, we also do not rule out the possibility of travel restrictions in the future.

There is a continuing trend in the increase in COVID-19 cases based on case numbers reported to us, positivity rates being compiled from hotel, airport and hospital workers and absenteeism rates from selected industries and schools. We also have registered 10 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital. Correspondingly, we are currently focusing 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 that have 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 maintain 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.

Prior to noting this increase, we had initiated the rescinding of 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. We believe that 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.

LTDD

We have noted rising trends in cases of Leptospirosis and Dengue however, our admission levels remain low and the mortality rate among admitted cases remains low. This is despite the fact that our reported case numbers had remained near or slightly above the outbreak level for most of this year. We acknowledge the efforts of our community leaders, community health workers and health workers in the primary health space for their efforts in facilitating early detection and treatment. Also, our divisional health teams with the support of the National Disaster Management Team staff have been carrying out pre-emptive source reduction measures in selected hotspots over the last month.

Recent heavy rain and flooding have affected many areas and communities throughout the country. The Ministry is focussing on geographical areas of concern for the purpose of mobilising extra capability to help manage communicable disease outbreaks and also escalate the promotion of preventative measures.

To reduce your individual risk, it is important to understand that exposure to animals, soil, mud, and floodwaters during work or recreation activities increases your risk of infection.

Important prevention measures include wearing fully covered footwear at all times when going outdoors, avoiding wading or swimming in flooded waters, using clean fresh water to wash up after exposure to muddy waters, and keeping all food and drinks covered and away from rats. For workplaces, practise good personal hygiene at all times, cover cuts and wounds well, and use protective equipment, especially footwear when in flooded and muddy areas.

Early treatment can decrease the severity and duration of the disease. Please seek medical care if you have recently had contact with floodwaters, mud, or animals, and develop the following symptoms: fever, muscle pain, and headache. You may also have red eyes, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, or feel weak.

Leptospirosis can be treated with appropriate antibiotic medications prescribed by a doctor if treatment is sought early. Danger signs for severe leptospirosis include shortness of breath, coughing blood, chest pain, yellow eyes/skin (jaundice), signs of bleeding (including unexplained bruising), decreased or increased urination, and difficulty staying awake. Severe leptospirosis is life-threatening, and anyone with these symptoms must be taken to the hospital immediately.

Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to clean drinking water. We strongly encourage people who live in rural areas, informal urban areas, and any other areas where access to clean drinking water is limited, to boil all drinking water. We must all also continue to practise basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

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 05th of January, 170,507 (54.5%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 28,987 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 250,000 doses of 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

03/01/2022

Public Advisory

Minimise movement and consider wearing face coverings when going out if feeling unwell

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services wishes to advise members of the public to stay at home when feeling unwell and wear a face covering (masks) when going outside in order to minimise the spread of infection.

COVID-19 case numbers have continued to show an upward trend, and the ministry has also noted an increase in people presenting with influenza-like illness at our health centres and hospitals. The numbers are within the expected for this time of the year.

To minimise the spread of infection and to protect the vulnerable in our communities particularly the elderly, young children, pregnant mothers, and those with chronic diseases, non-urgent visitation to the vulnerable should be avoided, and those caring for the vulnerable should wear a face covering if they are feeling unwell.  Hand washing and proper cough practice should be followed at all times. Anyone with a fever or feeling unwell should stay home from work in order to help stop the spread of illness at their workplaces.

The ministry is asking everyone to take precautions to avoid becoming infected and to stop the spread of the illness at this time.

What is the “flu”?

Flu or Influenza is caused by the Influenza viruses which have many different strains that change from year to year. Some mild symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, cough, or sore throat may be similar to the common cold, however, it is not the same as the common cold, as it can lead to serious diseases such as pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), especially in babies, people over age 60, pregnant women, people who have non-communicable diseases (e.g., lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes), the obese, and those who smoke.

Symptoms

Cough, sore throat, muscle/body aches, headache, fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, vomiting, and diarrhoea (more common in children).

While most people will develop these symptoms and recover in about 7-10 days, some will develop more serious illnesses that will require hospitalization. Please immediately seek medical care if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or heaviness in the chest
• Inability to stay awake or confusion
• Severe muscle pain
• Weakness and unsteadiness
• Worsening of a chronic condition
• Any other symptom of concern, for example, severe vomiting

How is it spread?

You can catch influenza when an infected person sneezes or coughs and you breathe it in, or if you have direct contact or touch a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes.

Prevention

Measures should be familiar as they are essentially the same as for COVID-19. Wear a mask or face covering that covers your mouth and nose when in a public place, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid crowds, stay home if you are sick, and cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.

Encourage rest

Extra rest can help the sick person recover faster.

Fever

The sick persons may develop high fever from the illness. They should dress lightly and avoid heavy blankets or excessive layers of clothes that could make them feel hotter. A mild fever does not need treatment as fever is the body’s way of fighting off an infection. A lukewarm bath can also help them cool off and wind down before taking a nap or going to sleep for the night.

Seek medical care

For children, sometimes even the best at-home care isn’t enough to help your little one make a full recovery. Seek medical care right away if any of the following symptoms are noted:

• Fever greater than 38°C for more than two days, or a fever of 40°C or higher for any amount of time
• Fever of 38°C or higher and is under 3 months old
• Fever that doesn’t get better after taking Panadol
• Seem unusually drowsy or lethargic
• Won’t eat or drink
• Fast breathing or wheezing or is short of breath
• Has bluish lips or face
• Dehydration and not passing urine or no tears when crying
• Severe muscle pain and the child refuses to walk

Prevention

After your child recovers, there are steps you can take to prevent colds and flu in the future. Wash all surfaces they came into contact with before or during their sickness. Encourage your children and other family members to wash their hands regularly to keep germs at bay.

Teach your child not to share food, drinks, or utensils when they eat. This assists with avoiding the spread of germs between them and their friends. Keep your child out of daycare or school when they are ill, especially if they have a fever. Keep them away from others with flu-like symptoms and avoid crowds.

COVID-19 Update

Thursday 29th December

Public Advisory

For COVID-19;

We have been advised that China is now open for inward and outward travel. Given the high level of the outbreak in China and the possibility of variant formation, we are ready to review some public health border measures. At present the USA, Japan, India, South Korea and Taiwan have announced that all passengers arriving from China have a pre-departure COVID test. We are aware that we do not have direct travel from China.

Our data indicate that we have a high level of immune protection given the low impact the current wave is having on admission capacity. The current wave in China is driven by known variants.

China and the countries that receive passengers directly from China have the ability to surveil for variants. We also have the in-country capacity now to surveil for variants.

As such, our stance is similar to that taken by our Australian colleagues. No new travel restrictions have been put in place however, we also do not rule out the possibility of travel restrictions in the future.

There is a continuing trend in the increase in COVID-19 cases based on case numbers reported to us, positivity rates being compiled from hotel, airport and hospital workers and absenteeism rates from selected industries. We also have registered 12 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while admitted to the hospital. Correspondingly, we are currently focusing 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 that have 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 maintain 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.

Prior to noting this increase, we had initiated the rescinding of 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. We believe that 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, especially if they have COVID-19-like symptoms. You must get tested for COVID-19, and if tested positive, 7-day isolation is mandatory.

LTDD

We have noted rising trends in cases of Leptospirosis and Dengue however, our admission levels remain low and the mortality rate among admitted cases remains low. This is despite the fact that our reported case numbers had remained near or slightly above the outbreak level for most of this year. We acknowledge the efforts of our community leaders, community health workers and health workers in the primary health space for their efforts in facilitating early detection and treatment. Also, our divisional health teams with the support of the National Disaster Management Team staff have been carrying out pre-emptive source reduction measures in selected hotspots over the last month.

Recent heavy rain and flooding have affected many areas and communities throughout the country. The Ministry is focussing on geographical areas of concern for the purpose of mobilising extra capability to help manage communicable disease outbreaks and also escalate the promotion of preventative measures.

To reduce your individual risk, it is important to understand that exposure to animals, soil, mud, and floodwaters during work or recreation activities increases your risk of infection.

Important prevention measures include wearing fully covered footwear at all times when going outdoors, avoiding wading or swimming in flooded waters, using clean fresh water to wash up after exposure to muddy waters, and keeping all food and drinks covered and away from rats. For workplaces, practise good personal hygiene at all times, cover cuts and wounds well, and use protective equipment, especially footwear when in flooded and muddy areas.

Early treatment can decrease the severity and duration of the disease. Please seek medical care if you have recently had contact with floodwaters, mud, or animals, and develop the following symptoms: fever, muscle pain, and headache. You may also have red eyes, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, or feel weak.

Leptospirosis can be treated with appropriate antibiotic medications prescribed by a doctor if treatment is sought early. Danger signs for severe leptospirosis include shortness of breath, coughing blood, chest pain, yellow eyes/skin (jaundice), signs of bleeding (including unexplained bruising), decreased or increased urination, and difficulty staying awake. Severe leptospirosis is life-threatening, and anyone with these symptoms must be taken to the hospital immediately.

The Ministry has reported an outbreak of Typhoid in the Raranibulubulu community in Vanua Levu and sporadic cases in Navosa. Measures taken so far through outreach deployment of medical teams and the effective efforts of community leaders have controlled any escalation in case numbers. Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to clean drinking water. We strongly encourage people who live in rural areas, informal urban areas, and any other areas where access to clean drinking water is limited, to boil all drinking water. We must all also continue to practise basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

Mitigating the Ongoing Exodus of Medical Staff

The ongoing exodus of medical staff has been highlighted and remains a challenge in terms of our ongoing effort to rebuild better and stronger. It is part of a global phenomenon, and as such short-term and long-term mitigation measures are needed.

Our immediate measure involves supporting the development of a support cadre of workers by relooking at new programs that support lower-tier health cadres with shorter-duration training programs which at the same time provide alternative entry points to medical professions. We already have a community health worker program. We are reviewing a program for nurse aides, and also exploring a theatre technician training program to support our efforts to support broader access to safe surgery and looking to recruit graduates from medical programs who can provide support roles to nurses and doctors. We have also redesigned an easier and faster process of engaging volunteers through our volunteer support program to cater for those in urgent need of work experience.

The Ministry continues to review and employ strategies to improve the working environment of our workforce.

1. A 12-hour roster system is being strategically implemented in some settings.
2. We are finalising discussions to at least partially pay for pending leave to maintain health staff numbers.
3. We are also increasing the clerical officer cadre in large health centres and hospitals to reduce the administrative workload on the medical staff.
4. There are staff shortages that entail some health workers staying long hours at work however, we have redeployed more finance into the overtime and meal allowance allocation and using the time off in lieu condition to help to mitigate this.
5. We have evolved a network of command centres that will optimise network communication to maintain surveillance on key issues and ensure that action plans are implemented well to mitigate those issues. Quality care improvement is an important cornerstone in all action plans.
6. We have good in-country stocks of medicines and consumables and we have strengthened our distribution capability to ensure better stock availability in health facilities. We expect that once we have put in place warehouse capability in the Northern and Western Divisions, we will see a substantial improvement in this space.

A government-wide customer service initiative is also a key part of the command centre work plans. These initiatives will also include processing internal communications to facilitate timely decision-making and action within the Ministry. It will also allow the Ministry’s senior executives to track progress in implementation and ensure that the annual operation plans reflect an evolving and progressive process.

Furthermore, we continue to support the government’s initiatives for greater engagement between the public health sector and the private health sector to mitigate potential service gaps caused by the ongoing migration. This includes the engagement of General Practitioners, Private Dental Practitioners, Private Medical Laboratories, and Private Ambulance providers to support our services in a public-private partnership arrangement.

In the medium to long term, the remuneration packages for medical staff will need to be adjusted to foster retention. This has started with Laboratory technicians being transitioned to laboratory scientists at a higher salary level, enrolled nurses being transitioned to nursing assistants at a higher salary level and raising the entry salary level for pharmacists. Budget submissions have been prepared and are being prepared to support human resource expansion and remuneration.

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 29th of December, 170,471 (54.5%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 28,965 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 250,000 doses of 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