The Ministry of Health says two worksites had reported positive COVID-19 cases in travellers however any potential outbreak was contained mostly due to rapid reporting by the workplace and test site provider and urgent action taken in tandem with Health Ministry teams.
The team has thanked EFL and the medical teams in Tavua and Vunidawa for their commitment to keeping Fiji COVID Safe.
The Ministry says in both instances, the workplace and individuals concerned reflected well the ideals of individuals being responsible for keeping themselves safe with the measures that are available and known to be effective.
The Health Ministry says since the 7th of April and the lifting of the quarantine measures and increased international travel, the community and border surveillance screening data continue to report a low positivity rate despite the ongoing pandemic, and the continued evolution of Omicron variants.
It says the lifting of masking and other mandates, and easing of travel restrictions, is not a sign that the risk of outbreak and resurgence of COVID-19 is over.
The Ministry reiterates the need for each individual to assess their own level of risk and decide to continue to take measures such as masking and physical distancing.
It says for example, they know wearing a mask in public will lower your risk of getting infected, and it is now an individual choice and responsibility that is recommended by the Ministry.
If you are at higher risk of severe disease should you get infected with COVID-19, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends that you continue to wear a mask in public, particularly in crowded indoor spaces.
The Ministry says the promotion of COVID-safe measures will now be pursued similar to how they advise healthy lifestyle measures for the prevention of non-communicable diseases, and how basic hygiene is promoted for the prevention of infectious diseases like typhoid fever.
It says the measures that will continue in terms of prevention are the promotion of vaccination, personal COVID-safe hygiene habits, and workplace ventilation and air cleaning measures.
They recommend everyone continue to employ COVID-safe measures to prevent infection and the spread of infection: Frequently wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, stay home if you feel sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the bend of your elbow if you cough or sneeze, wear a mask if you have any signs of a respiratory illness.
They also note the risk of transmission in children under 12 years, and as such they are exploring the option of requiring children under the age of 12 to also undergo pre-departure testing before travelling to Fiji.
Beyond this potential change, the MOH says our border protection will be mediated by the fact that travellers are vaccinated, have a negative pre-departure test, and will be tested in-country with a rapid antigen test.
