We are working on the assumption that the Omicron variant is already in Fiji and is being transmitted within the community - Dr Fong

Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong says they are working on the assumption that the Omicron variant is already in Fiji and is being transmitted within the community.

He says they expect that genomic sequencing results of positive samples sent overseas will bear this out.

The Permanent Secretary says they are expecting escalated levels of community transmission to be more evident over the ensuing weeks.

Doctor Fong says cases of COVID 19 continue to be identified among travellers into Fiji.

He adds all these cases were in fully vaccinated individuals who tested negative on their 3-day pre-departure PCR test and are currently in isolation within hotels, with protocols that have been well-rehearsed in the lead up to border opening and continue to be overseen by Health Ministry staff in the Western Division.

The Permanent Secretary adds all their positive samples will be sent to their partner laboratory in Australia for genomic sequencing.

He stresses that if a variant is transmissible enough, stringent border and community measures will only delay the inevitable entry and spread of current and future variants of the COVID-19 virus.

Doctor Fong says to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our country, we must all get vaccinated when it is our turn and continue to be strict with our COVID safe measures.