90 Fijian Soldiers Positive for Coronavirus in Iraq

Ninety Fijian soldiers serv­ing in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) have tested positive for COVID-19.

This was confirmed by the Com­mander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Viliame Naupoto.

He said the results came back pos­itive after the soldiers underwent an antigen test. They have since been quarantined.

“All are currently asymptomatic. While they are under quarantine, the rest of the RFMF soldiers are managing the workload,” Com­mander Naupoto said.

In a statement the RFMF said it believes that community transmis­sion was made at one of the UN compounds entry points, through the various persons that entered for work and UN related business.

RFMF Headquarters was moni­toring the situation and are in con­stant contact with the Fiji contin­gent leadership.

Commander Naupoto said they appreciate the public’s support and prayers for Fiji’s troops in Iraq as they go through this dif­ficult but manageable situation. “We ask that the public respect the privacy and dignity of the soldiers and their families.”

Meanwhile, a senior nurse with the RFMF who was also deployed in Iraq passed away of a suspected heart attack.

Commander Naupoto identified the senior nurse to be Warrant Of­ficer Tomasi Dau Saumadu, whose wife is also employed with the RFMF. He said the likelihood of not returning home was a risk that every peacekeeper encounters.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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