At least 28 new clusters of coronavirus infections emerged as Fiji set a new daily highest of 121 cases yesterday, including reports from within the containment area of Navua and scattered across Lami, indicating widespread transmission.
Two days ago, four cases were detected in Korovou, and 10 days prior, in Tavua, the first time since the current outbreak was discovered in April 2021.
However, Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong remains optimistic saying that the ministry is “prepared to mitigate the impact of a larger number of daily case totals and have contingency plans in place to care for patients who develop severe cases of the virus.”
As numbers increased he reiterated the importance of COVID19 safety protocols saying it remains critical in stopping the spread.
“Widespread public adherence to the health protection measures in force can limit or stop the spread of COVID-19 entirely and lessen the growing burden on our frontline health officials. Essential movement, when managed in a COVID-safe manner, can occur without moving the virus and without putting you, your loved ones, and your community members at high risk of becoming infected.”
Dr James Fong
“If you need to move, wear a mask, wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser, install careFIJI on your phones and keep Bluetooth switched on, maintain a strict physical distance of two metres from others, and do not enter closed contained spaces with others. Communities should not wait for a lockdown order to come into effect before adopting this COVID-safe behaviour –– every Fijian must adopt an attitude of vigilance and COVID-safe discipline now to keep themselves healthy. “
Of the newly announced 121 cases, 61 are linked to existing clusters, 11 have been identified as primary contacts of earlier cases, and the respective response teams are determining the cluster link. Nineteen others are part of a new cluster at the Town House Hotel in Suva where CWMH and IMT staff are being accommodated. Two others were reported from within the Rewa Emergency Operations Centre, possibly linked to the Vunimono cluster.
Linked to cases – 61:
Korovou: 1
IMT: 8
CWMH: 26
Tramline, Nawaka, Nadi: 5
Nawajikuma, Nawaka, Nadi: 1
Kinoya: 1
Navosai: 1
Sakoca: 4
Naitasiri: 3
Wailoku: 4
Nasinu Police Barracks: 4
Navy: 3
The remaining are cases from the following areas that are under investigation to determine whether they have links to other cases: Nasevou St, Lami, Nakoba St, Lami, Delainavesi, Lami, Qauia St, Lami, Naituni, Rewa, Qima Settlement, Nadi, Feeder Rd. Tacirua, Wainivula Rd, Cunningham Stage 4, Naduri in Navua, Ura Place, Toorak, Freshet, Makoi, Bau St Nausori, Toga Nausori and Nabitu Nausori.
Meanwhile, 21 COVID-19 cases have recovered, which means there are now 1043 active cases in isolation. There have been 1373 cases during the outbreak that started in April 2021.
Fiji has had 1443 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020. There have been 388 recoveries and five deaths due to COVID-19. A total of seven COVID-19 positive patients have died from pre-existing non-COVID-19 related illnesses.
