A woman with COVID-19 died on 12 May in Fiji after she was entered into intensive care when her condition started to deteriorate, according to health officials yesterday.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong said despite the best efforts of her attending physicians, she has passed away.

This is Fiji’s second reported death from COVID-19 due to the current outbreak.

“It serves as yet another painful reminder of the severity of the threat that we face.”

We are dealing with a virus that has claimed more than 3.7 million lives around the world. Many more Fijian lives could all-too-easily add to that sobering figure. But that does not have to happen, he said.

“The war against this virus is still winnable. Many thousands of lives can still be saved. Today, tomorrow, and every day after, for all of the foreseeable future, we will tell you what steps you can take to protect yourself and protect the ones you love. Listen often, listen well, and please adhere to every word of the advice we have to give.”

Suva lockdown extended

With four new COVID-19 cases recorded yesterday, the lockdown in Suva and Nausori planned to start tonight at 11pm to Tuesday morning has extended to 4am Wednesday, 19 May.

Dr Fong said this is due to the rapidly rising number of contacts stemming from new cases of COVID-19 in the Suva-Nausori area.

“Right now, the pandemic in Fiji is only a spark. But if that spark isn’t quickly and aggressively extinguished, a tiny ember is all it takes to start a massive, uncontrollable wildfire that claims thousands of Fijian lives. That’s why we are taking such aggressive measures –– our goal is elimination. We must dedicate everything we have into putting out this flame before it grows.”