There have been 0 new cases of COVID-19 since the last update on 25 January, and there are currently 0 active cases in Fiji.

Fiji has had 55 cases of COVID-19 in total, with 53 recoveries and 2 deaths, since our first case was reported on March 19 2020.

The last 37 cases have been international travel-associated cases detected in border quarantine. It has been 284 days since the last case was detected outside border quarantine on April 18.

A total of 25,433 laboratory tests have been conducted, with a weekly average of 1120 tests over the last 2 weeks.

A 38-year-old crew member onboard the international cargo ship, MV Papuan Chief, which arrived in Fiji on January 24, has a weak positive test result, indicating that a very small amount of viral material was present in the sample. A repeat test was negative, and he is well with no symptoms.

Furthermore, this person reportedly tested positive and was confirmed as a COVID-19 case, in Ukraine, in November 2020. He recovered in December and entered Seoul South Korea, completing 14 days quarantine and returning negative tests, before boarding the ship in Busan South Korea on January 2.

It is known that non-infectious pieces of the virus can remain detectable, and cause a positive test result long after the infection has passed; therefore, it is unlikely that this person is currently infectious. Due to the test results, and history of testing positive in Ukraine, this is considered a historical case, and is not counted as a new case for Fiji.

However, out of caution, he has been isolated on board the ship.

The MV Papuan Chief arrived in Fiji on January 24, after making stops in Port Vila, Noumea, and Majuro.

None of the crew disembarked the ship in Fiji, and the small number of Fijian officials that boarded, and may have had contacts with the crew, were in compliance with all infection control measures, including wearing the necessary personal protective equipment and physical distancing.

All other crew members on the MV Papuan Chief have tested negative. 2 Fijian crew members that had since requested to disembark are currently undergoing 14-day quarantine in Government designated quarantine facilities in Nadi.

The rest of the crew will not disembark the ship in Fiji.

For more information on COVID-19 in Fiji please visit the Ministry of Health and Medical Services web page http://www.health.gov.fj/covid-19-updates/

The next scheduled update will be on Friday 29 January.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj