A record high of 279 cases were announced last night by the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong.

Four deaths were also announced.

The first two deaths were announced earlier as being under investigation to determine if they were caused by COVID-19.

● The first was a 57-year-old male who was admitted to the CWM Hospital for a pre-existing non-COVID medical condition.

He tested positive during his admission.

● The second was a 66-year-old female, who was declared dead on arrival to the emergency department at CWM Hospital.

In accordance with protocol, she was swabbed, and tested positive for COVID-19.

Their doctors have now confirmed that COVID-19 caused the deaths of both these individuals.

● The third death was a 62-year-old male from Nausori. He was referred to the CWM Hospital yesterday from Nausori Health Centre in severe respiratory distress.

He had obvious signs and symptoms of severe COVID-19 and he tested positive later in the day.

Despite the efforts of the medical team at CWM Hospital, he died late yesterday afternoon.

● The fourth death is a 77-year-old female who had been admitted at CWM Hospital for a pre-existing non-COVID medical condition.

She tested positive during her admission and died today. Her doctors have confirmed that she died due to COVID-19.

Of the four confirmed COVID deaths reported last night, none were fully-vaccinated against the virus.

Three were not vaccinated at all and one had received only one dose of a vaccine.

13 Fijians have died since the outbreak first started in Fiji last year.

The Cases
Out of the 279 cases, 46 are from existing containment zones or quarantine facilities in Nadi, meaning 22 of these from Nawajikuma, eight are from Tramline, and 16 are close contacts in quarantine facilities.

The remaining 233 cases are from the Lami-Nausori Containment Zone, 196 of which are from existing areas of concern that means they are either from known clusters or they have a potential link to an existing case.

All 279 of these new patients are currently in isolation at home or in a facility.

Suva’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Severe Cases
Nine other patients are currently admitted at CWM Hospital with severe cases of COVID-19.

● One of these patients is a 30-year-old with no pre-existing illness.

“24 days ago we locked down CWM Hospital to protect its vulnerable patient population.”

“These newly admitted COVID cases are exactly why we made that decision.”

“However, that measure came at great cost, as there are specialty health services within CWM Hospital that are no longer fully available to those who need them,” he said.

“This week, an AUSMAT team deployed to Fiji. Their first priority is working with our teams at CWM Hospital to strengthen our infection control protocols so that COVID and non-COVID care are both available to the public.”

Worst Yet To Come
“Today, our seven-day rolling average for cases reached 166 per day.”

“Over the past eight days, total caseload has doubled, with most of these cases located in densely populated areas.”

“That means the worst of this outbreak is yet to come.”

“It does not mean we are helpless. We are working hard to vaccinate our people quickly. I’m confident that the day we achieve herd immunity will come.”

“But that cannot happen by today, and it cannot happen by tomorrow. Until we have fully-vaccinated our eligible adult population, full public compliance with our health measures is critical.”

Nadi
Among the new cases confirmed on Tuesday, the Ministry detected two cases of unknown origin in Lautoka.

“We have not linked these cases which are a mother and her daughter  to any known clusters.”

“Both patients have been securely moved into an isolation facility in Nadi,” he said.

Qauia, Lami
“We also have confirmed 75 cases in Qauia in Lami in the 24 hours to 8am yesterday with more testing positive throughout the day.”

“I want to speak directly to the families living in Qauia and other informal settlements that are under containment protocols areas that have repeatedly been ravaged by mass transmission at great cost to families and the capacity of our healthcare system.”

“We know it doesn’t always feel like leaving home when you are still within your community but you must do your utmost to protect your bubbles and stay within your houses.”

“Many in your communities including the elderly and those living with underlying health conditions, even some young people could be killed by the virus. ”

“We have to protect these Fijians. That is our mission. Please make it yours as well.”

“We will make sure that you are provided with groceries and household essentials.”

Heavy Police presence at Jittu Estate. Photo: Leon Lord

Jittu Estate Brawl
“Like many of you, I also saw the footage of that brawl in Jittu Estate in Suva.”

“Like many of you, I was also deeply disturbed. There were no winners of that fight except for the virus itself.”

“These outbursts of violence are never acceptable and they have never posed a greater risk to the wellbeing of our people than today.”

“If even one of the dozens involved in the altercation was carrying the virus, every member of that community was placed at risk, the officers involved in breaking up the fight were put at risk, as were their colleagues and members of their families.”

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