200 new cases of COVID-19 with no COVID death reported yesterday

Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong confirms Fiji has 200 new cases of COVID-19 for the 24 hour period that ended at 8am yesterday with 131 cases from the Western Division, 67 from the Central Division, 2 cases in Kadavu, 7 cases on Malolo Island and 29 cases in Naviti, Yasawa Islands.

Dr Fong also confirmed there were no COVID-19 deaths to report yesterday.

There have been 2 deaths of COVID-19 positive patients. However, these deaths have been classified as non-COVID deaths by their doctors. The doctors have determined that these deaths were caused by a serious pre-existing medical condition and not COVID-19.

There have been 13 new recoveries which means that there are now 16,537 active cases. 5,077 active cases are in the Central Division, 11,154 active cases in the Western Division, 4 active cases in the Northern Division and 302 active cases in Kadavu.

Dr Fong says as of midday yesterday 50.9% of the target population are now fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

Dr Fong adds because of this, the curfew will now start from 8pm – 4am as per the Prime Minister’s statement on the achievement of 50% full vaccination on the 22nd of August.

He also says they are announcing that funeral gathering restrictions have been increased to 20 persons.

Dr Fong highlighted that the change of the curfew hours and the increase of funeral gatherings to 20 persons must not make us complacent with COVID safe measures.

He says while we have more time for shopping and carrying out other essential activities, they advise the public that other health protection measures remain.

Dr Fong further says they are reviewing some of our restrictions however please restrict movement out of your homes.

Dr Fong adds when leaving home, please continue to practice COVID-19 safe measures of wearing a mask, regularly washing your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitiser, practise safe physical distancing of two meters and cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing; these are still critical for protection against COVID-19.