Emergency C-section save babies as mums succumb to COVID-19

Quick actions by health officials saved two babies but not their mothers who succumbed to COVID-19 along with 19 others whose deaths were announced today.

The two women had been unwell with COVID symptoms at home before seeking medical assistance in severe respiratory distress.

“Our physicians made the decision to conduct emergency cesarean operations to rescue the newborns and assist with the care of the mothers. Sadly, despite the best efforts of their attending physicians, both mothers passed away. However, the fast actions of the obstetric team saved both babies,” Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong said.

Maternal deaths at any time, he said, are a tragedy, and to be recording such deaths due to COVID-19 is indicative of the severity of this outbreak, urging everyone to take precautions and be proactive in their COVID-safe adherence irrespective of their COVID-19 status.

“We need your cooperation because saving lives from COVID-19 depends on your adherence to the rules and your understanding as much as ever,” Dr Fong said.

The plea comes on the back of the Ministry of Health’s decision to prioritise testing of individuals at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms and dying in the Lami-Nausori area, such as those over 50 years of age, those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, are obese or pregnant women.

“We know many families are valiantly trying to care for their loved ones at home, but for those who are most at risk of severe COVID-19, home care won’t be enough. These individuals need their oxygen levels closely monitored, likely need access to supplemental oxygen, as well as clinical teams to rapidly respond if their condition deteriorates.
“If you or someone you are caring for is at high risk of severe COVID we need you to get in touch right away and visit one of our screening clinics. If you test positive, then we will ensure you are provided immediate care by our health teams.
PS HEALTH Dr James Fong

“For community members in the Lami-Nausori area who are at high risk of severe COVID-19, we will be prioritizing the testing and rapid turnaround of their results.”

Meanwhile, a total of 1,091 new coronavirus infections were announced today. After the recovery of 317 patients overnight, there are 15,686 active cases at the moment. There have been 20,373 cases since this outbreak started in April, and Fiji has recorded 20,443 cases since the first case was reported in March last year.

For communities in the Lami-Nausori area
- For those at lower risk of severe COVID, if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID
  - for instance, if you live or work with someone who has COVID-19 – you should assume you also have the virus.
    - Immediately quarantine at home for the next 14 days.
    - If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms during this 14-day period, such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, loss of taste or smell, body ache, headache – you should most certainly assume you have COVID-19 and self-isolate.

Lower Risk Patients – Home Isolation
- Most people infected with COVID-19 will have only mild symptoms and fully recover at home.
- For lower-risk individuals with COVID, we ask you to
- please stay at home for 14 days, isolate yourself from other family members, and continue to monitor your symptoms for severe COVID-19.
- If you develop any signs of severe COVID-19, like difficulty breathing or chest pain, please go to one dedicated health facility.

19 of the 21 COVID-19 fatalities :

39-year-old man from Tacirua
- Died at home on 17 July.
- He was not vaccinated.

85-year-old woman from Veidogo settlement
- Died at home on 16 of July.
- She was not vaccinated.

81-year-old woman from Tamavua-i-wai
- Died at home on 16 July
- She was not vaccinated.

75 year old man from Lagilagi Housing
- Died at home on 17 July
- He was not vaccinated.

70-year-old man from Cautata village
- Died at home on 16 of July
- He was not vaccinated.

85-year-old man
- Died at home on 19 July
- He was not vaccinated.

69-year-old woman from Waiqanake
- Died at home on 18 July
- He was not vaccinated.

66-year-old from Bayview Heights
- Died at home on 19 July
- She was not vaccinated

73-year-old man from Tamavua
- Died at home on 18 July

54 year old man from Nadawa
- Died at home on 19 July.
- He was not vaccinated.

36-year-old woman from Tamavua
- Died at home on the 19th of July

65-year-old woman
- Died at home on 18 July.
- She received one dose of the vaccine in early June, she had not received the second dose of the vaccine.
- She was not fully vaccinated.

60 year old woman from Tamavua.
- She presented to the emergency department of the CWM hospital in severe distress.
- She died on the same day
- She had received a first dose of the vaccine in mid June, she had not received the second dose of the vaccine. This means she was not fully vaccinated.

65-year-old woman from Lagilagi housing.
- She presented to CWM Hospital in severe respiratory distress.
- Her condition worsened in hospital and she died on the same day.
- She was not vaccinated.

70 year old man from Cunningham.
- He presented to the FEMAT field hospital in severe respiratory distress
- He died on the same day
- He was not vaccinated.

48-year-old man from Laucala Bay.
- He presented to the CWM hospital emergency department in severe respiratory distress.
- He died on the same day. He had cough, fever and shortness of breath for three days before he presented.
- He was not vaccinated.

80 year old woman from Vatuwaqa.
- She presented to CWM Hospital in respiratory distress, her condition worsened in hospital, and she died on the same day
- She had received a first dose of the vaccine in mid June, but she had not received a second dose. This means she was not fully vaccinated.

66 year old man from Caubati
- Died at home on 19 July.
- He was not vaccinated.

67 year old man from Nasinu
- He presented to a medical facility in severe respiratory distress.
- His condition worsened in the health facility and he died on same day, 20 July
- He was not vaccinated.

There have been 10 more deaths of COVID-19 positive patients. However, their deaths have been classified as non-COVID deaths by their doctors, bringing to 61 the number of COVID-19 positive patients whose deaths have been attributed to underlying health conditions.

There have now been 146 deaths due to COVID-19 in Fiji, with 144 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year.