Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says due to the high number of COVID-19 cases and constraints on quarantine capacity, new positive cases are being entered into home isolation, where feasible.
Doctor Fong says specific guidance has been provided for these individuals to ensure they do not have contact with other members of their households.
He says it is vital, particularly in multi-generational households, that the Ministry’s home isolation protocols are strictly followed.
Doctor Fong says while they will be regularly checking up on these individuals, adherence to the home isolation protocols within the household is critical at all times.
He also says given the escalating number of new cases in the Lami-Nausori Containment zone, they are preparing to shift into a mitigation phase that ensures that healthcare resources are focussed on caring for patients who develop severe illness as a result of the virus, to ensure that they can receive proper treatment and achieve the best possible outcome from the care.
Doctor Fong also says the majority of new COVID-19 cases are a result of transmission in closed indoor spaces.
He says members of the public should avoid any situation that puts them into close quarters with others outside of their household or home bubble.
Doctor Fong says if you see a crowding situation, avoid it at all costs.
Do not add to the problem.
Even when you are masked, entering into close quarters with others can place you at grave risk.
If you feel certain health measures are being violated, call 163 to report your concern.
He also says while they understand that it is not possible for all workplaces in the Lami to Nausori Zone, they strongly encourage employers to ask their employees to work from home in instances where that can be managed.
Meanwhile 218,830 people in Fiji have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
With the exception of Nadi, where they are still awaiting the clearance of relevant vaccine administration personnel, the vaccine rollout is continuing nationwide.
