New COVID-19 cases in Fiji continue to decline with 12 new cases reported between November 27-28 and zero cases on November 29, Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services reported.

No new deaths were reported. Fiji has recorded a total of 696 deaths due to COVID-19, with 694 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year.

As at November 25, the national seven days rolling average for COVID-19 deaths per day is 0.0 with a case fatality rate of 1.32%.

The 604 COVID-19 positive patients who died from serious medical conditions they had before they contracted COVID-19, are not classified as COVID-19 deaths.

Meanwhile, there is a decreasing trend across occupancy rates of ICU beds, and death rates, with an increasing vaccination coverage for adults and 15 – 17-year-olds in Fiji.

Fiji has also started vaccinating 12-14 year olds and expect their coverage to contribute to reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

Open Borders

Fiji opened its borders today to fully vaccinated international travelers, repatriates and Fijians visiting families and friends.

Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services said their border health measures and surveillance will need to be strengthened and maintained, with the increasing COVID-19 cases in the European region and the emergence of the new variant of concern, B.1.1.529 (Omicron) which is noted to have several mutations.

The country continues to test over 4,000 people weekly, which is above the World Health Organization recommended rate of four tests per 1,000 population per week or approximately 3,500 tests per week.

Surveillance and testing in communities and maritime islands will continue to monitor and detect cases for early intervention.