First COVID-19 case in Fiji confirmed - Dr. Waqainabete

People are continuing to flock to supermarkets to stock up on food and essential household items as the nation awaits the major announcement by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fijivillage visited supermarkets in Suva this morning and found many packed and out of trolleys as they suddenly received an influx of customers.

Since 9 o'clock this morning, it has been packed at Extra Supermarket along Flagstaff.

Extra Supermarket says on a normal day they have 170 trolleys available but since 9am they have had to bring out 100 more trolleys.

It says they have no problems with stock at the moment.

Toilet paper has been the consistent item on everyone’s trolley.

Saheema Nisha from 9 miles was one of the many that rushed to Extra Supermarket this morning.

There were also long lines of people at MH Superfresh in Tamavua.

There were people lining up at the counter and also outside waiting for trolleys.

MH Superfresh says they have more than enough stock available.

Max Value in Flagstaff was also packed this morning.

We have been told they have more than enough stock.

The government already has secure isolation facilities up and running throughout Fiji, with the Central Division being served by Navua Hospital, the Western Division served by the Nadi Hospital, and Labasa Hospital serving the Northern Division.

The Prime Minister had earlier said that as we monitor the situation, more isolation units will be established as the need arises in accordance with their expansion plan.

Voreqe Bainimarama says if and when we see our first case of COVID-19, far more stringent measures will immediately come into effect to aggressively prevent the spread of the disease, as other nations have done, such as bans on local gatherings.

The single most important thing anyone can do is to wash your hands with soap and water on a regular basis.

The combination of soap and water kills COVID-19 dead in its tracks.

Bainimarama has said that a thorough and effective handwashing takes 20 seconds –– and with this simple act, you may very well be saving a life.

We all also need to break the habit of shaking hands, hugging and sharing takis and bilos. Instead, simply share a “bula” from a safe distance and limit in-person contact as much as possible.

This isn’t just about protecting yourself, this is about your responsibility to the well-being of the countless Fijians who you cross paths with every day.

He says do it to protect the elderly woman you walk by at the market, the man with a pre-existing heart condition who rides the bus with you, or the grandparent who you look after.

Bainimarama had said that our population is already vulnerable to coronavirus.

Those with preexisting conditions and NCDs –– like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer –– are at a higher risk of death by COVID-19.