Fiji has reported 115 new cases of COVID-19 and one death Friday.
Ministry of Health and Medical Services permanent secretary Dr James Fong said the majority of these cases are related to existing clusters of transmission or to localities where significant transmission has occurred.
“These localities are well known areas of concern that we have discussed in our updates throughout the current outbreak,” he said.
Dr Fong said 52 cases are from the known clusters:
Nasinu Police Barracks: 6,Navosai: 2,CWMH: 8,Nawajikuma, Nadi: 7,Townhouse hotel: 7,Freshet: 13,Rewa EOC: 1,12 are from new clusters: Max Value Supermarket, Lami (8) and Public Rental Board (4)
He said seven cases have also been detected during screening at the Valelevu, Nuffield, and Raiwaqa screening clinics. 1 case was also identified during screening at Nadi hospital. Investigations are underway to determine any links to known cases.
“21 have been identified as primary contacts of previous cases and are under investigation by the contact tracing teams to determine if there is a cluster link.
“22 cases are from the following areas and are under investigation to determine if they have links to other cases. They are currently considered cases of community transmission: Naqio settlement, Rewa (2), Nadave (1), Nausori village (7), Naulu (4), Omkar Rd, Narere (1), Valenicina, Lami (1), Verata, Nausori (1), Milverton Road, Raiwaqa (1), Qauia, Lami (2), Naduru Rd, Nausori (1), and Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (1)
“We unfortunately have recorded another death at CWM Hospital. This is a 49-year-old man who had been admitted for almost a month and was being treated for a severe non-COVID pre-existing condition. He tested positive for COVID-19 during his admission, and his doctors are currently investigating to determine if this is a COVID-19 death.
“There are now 1182 active cases in isolation. There have been 1578 cases during this outbreak that started in April 2021.
“We have recorded a total of 1648 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020. There have been 452 recoveries and 6 deaths due to COVID-19. A total of 7 COVID-19 positive patients have died from pre-existing non-COVID-19 related illnesses. 1 new death is currently under investigation,” said Dr Fong.
Meanwhile, two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have a 92 per cent success rate at preventing hospitalisation from the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.
Dr Fong said these findings were revealed in a recent study by Public Health England and he urged Fijians to come forward and take the jab.
“My teams are committed to continue vaccinating our population and protecting Fijians from this deadly disease,” he said while announcing the 121 new cases of COVID-19 recorded on Wednesday.
“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.”
Dr Fong said an additional 70,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines would arrive from Australia next week, which would amount to 250,000 doses contributed so far of the one million pledged to Fiji.
“We’re grateful that the commitment to deliver 40,000 vaccines per month has been exceeded.
“Australia’s commitment, as well as that of New Zealand, has helped us reserve the full dosage of COVID-19 vaccines for every eligible Fijian.
“We are also grateful to the Indian Government for their initial contribution of 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines,” he said.
SOURCE: PACNEWS/FIJI TIMES
