Fiji has reported 1,043 active COVID-19 cases currently in isolation, including the 121 new cases confirmed yesterday, 16 June, according to its Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong said the majority of new COVID cases continue to be confirmed within known clusters in areas already under lockdown, or are individuals under home quarantine.

Since this current outbreak started in April 2021, a total of 1373 cases and three deaths have been recorded due to COVID-19.

The third COVID-19 death was recorded earlier this week, when a 73-year-old man who was being treated for a severe illness in hospital, died due to the virus. He had tested positive to COVID-19 11 days before his death.

Fiji has recorded 1443 COVID-19 cases and five deaths in total since March 2020.

COVID-19 tests and vaccine

COVID-19 tests have been continuing across Fiji, reporting the national seven-day daily test average at 3,405 tests per day, or 3.8 tests per 1000 population. The national 7-day average daily test positivity is now at 2.5%.

At the same time, Fiji is administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccinations with around 42% (246,000) of Fijians aged 18 and over receiving at least one dose so far.

Dr Fong said according to a recent study by Public Health England, after both doses, the AstraZeneca vaccine is 92% successful at preventing hospitalization from the Delta variant of COVID-19 present in Fiji.

“So, we ask those who have received one dose to make sure they receive dose number two, and we encourage every eligible Fijian awaiting their first dose to seize this opportunity to protect themselves.”

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, he added.

Australian medical assistance

While Fiji is currently able to cope with the rise in COVID-19 cases, contingency measures are in place to respond accordingly, according to Dr Fong. This includes assistance from the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSTMAT) deployment, if required.

Meanwhile, businesses with clear, COVID-safe plans have been allowed to open, with some offering discounts to people who have been vaccinated.

However, people are being urged to stay at home as much as possible and only go out if they need to. They must wear a mask in public, keep social distancing, practice hand hygiene, and not attend social gatherings.