We celebrate, with caution observing ‘new normal’
If Fiji does not have any more confirmed cases of COVID-19, in 13 days we are expected to declare the nation virus free.
If Fiji does not have any more confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in 13 days we are expected to declare the nation COVID-19 free.
As of today, 14 out of our 18 cases have recovered.
Those who are yet to recover include the Nadera businessman who was our case four, our case six who is the hairdresser from Suva, his child and case 18 the woman from Ba.
The total recoveries bring our recovery rate to 78 per cent.
The lockdown restrictions put in place in Soasoa in Labasa and Nabua, outside Suva have been lifted.
What does this mean for us?
Fiji has done well in containing the cases, if any new cases do come up, it could be from those who have recently returned from overseas and are currently in Government paid isolation where they are expected to be for a total of 28 days. If anyone there is found to be positive, the risk of transmission to others is relatively low since the confirmation would have come whilst the patient was in isolation. If none are confirmed, we have some reasons to celebrate.
But, it has been continuously stressed by the Head of Government Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, this does not mean life is back to normal. The normal that we are used to is not what is expected of every individual currently in Fiji.
We will need to continue to take precautions at a personal level.
This means continuing the practice of hand washing for 20 seconds, sneezing or coughing in our elbows and not undertaking unnecessary travels.
Our celebration is only for the joy of recovery. The economic impacts of this pandemic will continue to be felt far and wide. Many businesses are still figuring out how long our borders would remain closed, how long before tourists would start coming back. It would not be for a very long time. Our main tourist countries are still fighting the battle against COVID-19. This is where the continuing focus on our agriculture sector is very important.