Another new COVID-19 case was announced by the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong this afternoon.

This time a 40-year-old woman has tested positive of COVID-19.  She and her family had also attended the ‘super-spreader’ Tavakubu funeral in Lautoka last week.

During a press conference, Dr Fong said the individual resides in the Wainitarawau Settlement in Cunningham.

“She lives at home with six others – her husband and five children. She and all the members of her household are all securely in isolation at Navua Hospital. Her family members have all tested negative for the virus so far.

Dr Fong has urged all those who attended the funeral in Tavakubu, either at the residence or at Peceliema Church, on Friday 16th April or Saturday 17th April to immediately contact the Ministry of Health and Medical Services on 158.

“Your life, and the lives of those you love, may be at-risk. Please, pick up the phone and dial these three numbers: 1-5-8. I’m asking every Fijian watching today to help us spread that message far and wide. We are not a big country––we can find all of these Fijians.”

In response to the case in Wainitarawau, from 10pm last night through today, the Ministry of Health have activated their containment teams to establish a screening zone at the Wainitarawau Settlement.

The rules for the zone are simple: No one is allowed out.

“Those who live in this area are being allowed back in, but they must stay there. We are screening every Fijian in that zone, and we will keep the area contained for at least the next 14 days. The density of Fijians living within the settlement make this area particularly high-risk for the virus’s spread, so we aren’t taking any chances,” Dr Fong said.