Ministry tracks movements of Makoi family as they had a large number of contacts in the community

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says they are currently tracking the movements of the Makoi family who have tested positive of COVID-19, and initial investigations indicate that they had a large number of contacts in the community and moved around extensively.

Doctor Fong confirms that their likely window of transmission for the family, starting with the Makoi woman’s husband extends from Monday April 12th to Sunday April 25th.

He says they have cordoned off a certain area where the Makoi family who have tested positive for COVID-19 resides and it is a very busy area.

Doctor Fong says the zone is marked by two bridges and 31,000 people are living in this zone.

He says these people are earmarked for more intense screening.

The Permanent Secretary says they will be swabbing everyone close to the family home and the 31,000 people.

He says even though they now know that they do not have community transmission, they will still need to maintain the containment areas.

Doctor Fong says the maintenance of the current containment areas will help them trace all their contacts more effectively and quickly.

He says in the meantime all health protocols as announced on Sunday will remain.

Doctor Fong is also making an urgent plea to all those who attended the Nasereci church service in Nadi at 10.30am Sunday 18th April and anyone who travelled from Viti Levu to any of the outer islands including Vanua Levu from Monday 19th April - to contact the nearest health team or the 158 helpline.

He urges all Fijians to stay the course and follow the measures that are necessary to contain this outbreak and get us back to normal.

Please remain at home and try to take care of all necessary business such as shopping for groceries and other necessities in your immediate neighbourhoods.

Wear your masks if you must go out, avoid social gatherings and maintain social distance of at least two metres when you are outside your home.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for about 20 seconds each time or use hand sanitizer. Please also ensure you have the careFIJI app on.