Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong says going forward, they will be monitoring for COVID-19 transmission and disease; and intervening when cases cross the beyond acceptable levels.
Dr Fong says it is expected that in the short to medium term, unknown chains of transmission will persist in parts of Fiji and may not be picked up by their routine community surveillance program.
He says they will only be revealed when an outbreak is big enough to be visible.
Dr Fong adds therefore, having no cases reported does not necessarily mean that the virus has been eliminated, it implies that the spread of the virus has been successfully contained.
He says further to community surveillance, remodeling health service provision is also a key strategy in their response.
Dr Fong also says the public is further reminded that while they have instigated a number of mandatory and punitive measures to promote adherence to COVID safe measures, public engagement and compliance remains the main determining factor to preventing further transmission and preventing the need for severe restrictions and lockdown.
He adds as such whilst we are doing well with steady reductions in disease cases, admissions, severe disease, and death, this is a time for cautious reassurance and optimism.
A 33-year-old COVID positive man from Newtown died at home on 1st October.
Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong says his family reported that he had a reduced appetite, generalized body weakness, and lethargy a few days prior.
Dr Fong also says although the man was fully vaccinated, he had existing underlying medical conditions that would have toned down his ability to mount a good vaccine-induced immune response and thus reduced his ability to fully benefit from the protective effects of the vaccine.
He adds they advise that we all need to continue practicing strict COVID-19 safety measures to protect our vulnerable family members, irrespective of vaccination status.
There have now been 633 deaths due to COVID-19 in Fiji, with 631 of these deaths during the outbreak that started in April this year.
Dr Fong also confirms Fiji has recorded 34 new cases of COVID-19 for the 24 hour period that ended at 8 am today.
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