The Northern Division continues to record COVID-19 deaths with three new COVID deaths being confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services last Saturday.

All three deaths were of females aged 60 years and above.

Health and Medical Services, Permanent Secretary, Dr James Fong, said the first COVID-19 death recorded was of a 72-year-old fully vaccinated woman, who died on arrival at Savusavu Hospital on January 8.

Dr Fong said the second death was of an 87-year-old unvaccinated female, who died at her home on January 9.

He said the final COVID-19 death was another 60-year-old unvaccinated female, who passed away at her home last Thursday.

The patient had pre-existing medical conditions which contributed to her death.

Hospital admissions continue to record an upward trend with 48- COVID positive cases currently hospitalised.

Dr Fong said there could be more deaths occurring, however, it takes time to confirm and investigate these deaths.

“All deaths reported had a scenario where the presence of two or more severe underlying medical conditions and COVID infection have contributed to this delay in COVID death confirmation,” he said.

Dr Fong confirmed that the Northern Division had 11 new COVID-19 cases being reported as per the ministry’s latest advisory on Monday.

According to MOHMS, 685 individuals from the 746 COVID positive deaths recorded during the entire pandemic were because of other serious underlying medical conditions that contributed to their non-COVID related death.

Dr Fong added while vaccination deployment continued, their current efforts will also be focused on supporting other Ministries and business entities to develop COVID safe protocols.

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