New border quarantine case that could pose a risk of transmission beyond the border - Bainimarama

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has confirmed that yesterday, they became aware of a new border quarantine case that could pose a risk of transmission beyond the border which requires immediate steps from everyone to mitigate.

He says this case of the virus has been detected during a routine test of a member of our security forces working within a quarantine facility.

Bainimarama says they know he contracted the virus anytime from one to six days prior and that he interacted with other daytime staff in the quarantine facility during that time.

The Prime Minister says that means there may have been some exposure outside of the facility that they have to manage.

He says when it comes to containing a disease as insidious as the coronavirus, the risks are simply too high to take chances.

Bainimarama says they are responding to this case with the same extreme precaution they have employed from the start of the pandemic.

He says last night, they began entering into quarantine staff who were working in the facility during the potential window for transmission and also members of their households.

Bainimarama says some factors are working in their favour.

He says the soldier has received his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and that means his risk of severe infection is reduced and it is likely his risk of transmission was lower.

Bainimarama stresses that doesn’t mean we can afford to take any chances particularly given the rise of new and more contagious variants of COVID-19 around the world.

The Prime Minister says if the soldier hadn’t received that first dose, the risk to him and others would have been much higher.

Bainimarama says as they continue to identify other potential contacts tied to this case, he cannot stress enough how important it is that they adhere to the habits of handwashing and physical distancing, where possible, that have kept Fiji safe through today.

He says if you are called by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services teams as a potential contact, please come forward immediately.

Bainimarama says they have been exploring the relaxation of some of the remaining health restrictions, including the capacity of large public events and the curfew hours, in particular as vaccines have been administered.

The Prime Minister adds unfortunately, that will have to wait until they are certain this case does not pose a risk to the public.

He says in fact, they should prepare for these measures to become more stringent if they find there has been transmission to the public.

Bainimarama says for now, do not gather and do not travel unless it is essential.

He says large gatherings, especially, are not safe.

Bainimarama says nothing suggests there was a breach of protocol at this stage and they will continue to strengthen procedures to further reduce the risk of transmission within our quarantine facilities.