The Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirmed that COVID-19 positive travellers arriving in the country from African states were in quarantine.

Permanent secretary Dr James Fong said the travellers arrived before authorities were aware of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

“They have been quarantined in line with the stringent measures we apply to countries we consider a red zone for ongoing viral spread,” Dr Fong said.

“Their specimens will be forwarded this week to overseas for genetic sequencing. If transmissible enough, stringent border and community measures will only delay the inevitable entry and spread of current and future variants of the COVID-19 Virus.

He reiterated that Fiji citizens will only be safe if COVID-safe measures are followed.

These are:

• two-meter physical distancing.
• mask wisely by carrying a mask when not at home and wear the mask properly in public indoor spaces, public service vehicles and outdoor crowded spaces.
• open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; -keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and
• get vaccinated when it’s your turn.

Public health

Dr Fong said the Ministry would continue to improve public health and medical capacities to manage an increase in cases.

As such the remodeling of the health service provision will continue its current focus on:

• Community surveillance through test trace and track protocols are being escalated to help us identify and contain any outbreak early.

Registration and line listing of vulnerable persons, especially in poorly vaccinated areas has been done.

• Preparations for the monitoring of positive cases and vulnerable persons to ensure better access to appropriate care plans has been made.
• Clinical care protocols for the severe disease have been reviewed and strengthened.

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