Fiji recorded 522 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday bringing the total to 4909 active cases.

There were also three COVID-19 deaths announced.

All deceased persons were not vaccinated.

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong said the ministry is concerned that people with severe diseases were presented to the medical facilities in the late stages of their illness.

As expected, with the increasing cases, he said they were seeing increasing severe cases and more deaths within the Suva-Nausori containment zone.

“We are still sadly seeing people with severe disease die at home or on the way to hospital, before our medical teams have a chance to administer what could potentially be lifesaving treatment,” Dr Fong said.

Fijians are advised to identify the severe symptoms of COVID-19 and present to the nearest health facility at the earliest.

The symptoms include; difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, severe headache for a few days, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake; and pale, gray, or blue-coloured skin, lips or nail beds.

COVID-19 Deaths

The first death is a 93-year-old woman from Matata, Valenicinia in Lami who died at home. She was not vaccinated.

The second death is a 60-year-old man from Lami Village who was declared dead on arrival at the Lami Health Centre.

Dr Fong said the man, who was also not vaccinated, died at home or on the way to the health centre.

The third death is a 56-year-old woman from Qauia in Lami who died at home.

There have now been 30 COVID-19 deaths in Fiji, with 28 recorded during the current outbreak.