The recovery of three of Fiji’s border quarantine cases was overshadowed by news that two remaining members of the Cunningham family tested positive today.
The two, both girls, aged 5 and 15 were diagnosed with coronavirus, and join five other family members including their parents, seven-month-old brother and 15-year-old sister in isolation.
Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong said the case reinforces the need to adhere to COVID19 protocols.
“I have spoken before on the life-or-death importance of Fijians of all ages adhering to the protocols we’ve established. Let that be a lesson in how transmissible this variant is and how vital it is that measures are followed by everyone,” Dr Fong said. “These measures don’t just protect you. They protect the people you love. They protect your neighbours. And they protect everyone you might come in contact with.”
“If this virus gets out of control, we will not be so lucky. To keep any more of the most vulnerable members of society out of isolation and out of ICUs, it’s vital we stay the course of our containment effort. Lives depend on it. There is no nobler reason for us to unite behind doing what must be done. STAY HOME, BE SAFE, SAVE LIVES.”
Today’s announcements bring to 49 the number of active cases in isolation, with 16 border quarantine cases, 31 are locally transmitted cases, and two are under investigation to determine the source of transmission.
Fiji has had 119 cases in total, with 68 recoveries and two deaths, since the first case was reported on 19 March 2020.
On the 49 active patients in isolation at the moment, Dr Fong says that some fall within high-risk categories for severe illness, and are being monitored closely.
“But so far, all of our existing cases are in stable condition.”
A total of 52,040 COVID-19 laboratory tests have been conducted, with a daily average of 802 tests per day over the last 7 days, and a weekly average of 3485 tests per week over the last 2 weeks, with a record 5169 tests done last week. Testing has increased in line with the response to the recent local cases, with 1026 tests conducted yesterday. Our overall test positivity is 0.2% and our 7-day average daily test positivity is 0.6%.
Meanwhile, before sunset today, 5000-food ration packs comprising basic necessities were loaded and shipped to families living in the Suva-Nausori corridor.
