3rd case of COVID-19 confirmed in Fiji

3rd case of COVID-19 confirmed in Fiji

By Vijay Narayan
23/03/2020
Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama delivers statement on COVID-19

The third case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Fiji.

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama confirms that the first patient’s one-year old nephew has also contracted the virus.

Bainimarama says luckily, once again, this patient was not showing symptoms until they were in isolation, vastly cutting the odds they passed the virus onto others.

The mortality rate among the young is especially low, around the world, coronavirus has largely gone undetected in children and infants, as they display only mild symptoms.

But Bainimarama says as today’s case shows, no age group or demographic is immune to contracting or spreading the virus.

He says while the baby’s case may seem heartbreaking, what is truly frightening is the scenario that could have unfolded if the situation had been handled differently, and the first patient’s entire household wasn’t immediately put into isolation as soon as he tested positive.

Bainimarama says every grandparent, great-grandparent, uncle, aunt and neighbour who held this precious, fourteen-month-old baby boy in their arms could have easily been infected, all with just a drop of spittle, burp or cough.

He says while statistics show that babies will recover, for the more vulnerable in our society, this simple act of affection could be a death sentence.

The Prime Minister says by the grace of God, the government’s aggressive contact tracing exercise has so far proven very effective, identifying two additional patients who were already safely placed in isolation.


By
//


Don’t harm yourself by taking part in illegal large gatherings - PM

By Vijay Narayan
23/03/2020
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama stresses that the 20 people limit on gatherings applies to weddings, parties, concerts, sports events, religious services, funerals - everything, and there are no exceptions.

Bainimarama stresses that none of these plans are more important than people’s lives.

He says you may live outside of Lautoka, or outside of Viti Levu, and feel that you can still gather and celebrate, safe from harm.

The Prime Minister says this mentality is stupid, as you are harming yourself.

He says it is destructive, as you are putting the integrity of the government’s containment measures in jeopardy, and it is selfish, as you are putting the lives of others at risk.

Bainimarama says the government has announced a ban on any gatherings of 20 or more people.

Workplaces, banks, supermarkets, open-air markets, pharmacies and other areas where essential services are offered are fine for now, given you keep a safe distance apart.

He says restaurant owners should also cut their seating capacity to be within our 20-person limit, keep tables hygienic and safely spaced apart, and better yet switch to delivery.

Bainimarama says for those who already offer take-away or delivery, do it more. For all others, try offering this service for the first time.

He says the border protection measures in the Lautoka confined area remain in full effect.

The Fiji Police are monitoring checkpoints at the King’s Road at Matuwalu Junction, the feeder road at Vakabuli Junction and the Queen’s Road at Natalau Junction.

International shipping services to the Lautoka port are all diverted to Suva except for those that deliver goods exclusively for food and manufacturing purposes only for the Lautoka confined area.

The Commissioner for Police will also be overseeing the safe and hygienic off and on-loading of all goods into Lautoka, and he is the main contact for the exporters and importers who qualify.


FEATURE NEWS
Chaudhry says Speight’s coup had less to do with iTaukei rights and more to do with power, greed, and Fiji’s mahogany plantation
As today marks the 25th year since the May 19th coup led by George Speight, the Prime Minister at the time, Mahendra Chaudhry says Speight’s motive ...
10 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
May 19th 2000 coup was one of the darkest times in Fiji’s history - Ali
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator, Shamima Ali says the May 19th 2000 coup was one of the darkest times in Fiji’s history and in the ...
10 hours ago

Fiji’s National Action Plan to prevent violence against women and girls discussed during Naivalurua’s visit to FWCC
Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua paid a courtesy call to the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre today where they discussed challenges with the Police, ...
10 hours ago

Man and woman charged with murder after woman allegedly assaulted to death in Nausori
A man who, along with a woman, allegedly assaulted his partner to death will appear in the Nausori Magistrates Court today. Police say the woman, ...
13 hours ago

Ratu Sukuna's legacy inspires renewed focus on iTaukei traditions - Toganivalu
It is very important for the iTaukei to know their identity, roots, culture, and traditions. The Deputy CEO of the iTaukei Affairs Board, Josefa ...
14 hours ago

No major recovery of fentanyl - FRCS
No major recovery of fentanyl has been recorded in Fiji, however, this remains on the Fiji Revenue Customs Service radar as it has been proliferating ...
14 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
15 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
27 days ago

TOP