Fiji reported the deaths of six coronavirus patients in its latest COVID-19 update, two of which were attributed to coronavirus, and four others were said to have died of other serious medical conditions.
The two who died of COVID-19 were a 72-year-old male in the central division and a 63-year-old, male as well, in the western division, whose deaths Permanent Secretary Health Dr James Fong says highlight the need to protect those less able to fend for themselves.
“The impact of immunisation is clearly demonstrated in our hospitalisation rates for severe disease which has decreased as reported by all the divisional hospitals,” Dr Fong sid.
“And we know that vaccination combined with COVID safe measures will help keep the health care load manageable. Based on the above data and reported global trends, expanding the vaccination coverage to children and increasing the uptake of booster doses will improve our ability to live with covid and ensure that we can continue to engage safely in the recovery of our economy and with the health system.
“While we continue to see a persistent decrease in the reported case data, which is supported by other community-based indicators, we must continue to be vigilant.”
The 72-year-old who died on 4 August was partially vaccinated, having received the first dose, unlike the 63-year-old who had received three doses of a COVID vaccine. He died 12 days after being admitted to Lautoka Hospital on 6 August.
Medical authorities say that the deceased also had multiple underlying conditions which had worsened in his COVID-state.
Fiji COVID-19 deaths have risen to 877 while deaths of COVID-19 positive patients whose deaths were attributed to other causes stand at 976.
