Islanders Receive First, Some Got Second Jab

Forty nine per cent of people on Taveuni Island have received their first dose while 4.59 per cent have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The district officer of Taveuni in the Northern Division, Dausiga Nakaora confirmed this yesterday.

He said the number of those getting vaccinated was gradually increasing.

“This is because of awareness programmes about coronavirus and vaccination benefits conducted by medical professionals,” Mr Nakaora said.

“There are 16,000 people on the island facing different kinds of challenges and issues.”

“Some are taking their time, but we have told them to make use of the opportunity to get vaccinated with AstraZeneca and Covishield vaccines which are available.”

There are no COVID-19 cases on the island.

Meanwhile, Acting Divisional Medical Officer Northern, Doctor Tiko Saumalua, said Taveuni Island was classified as a green zone as it has no case.

In terms of preparation, Dr Saumalua said three quarantine facilities have been identified.

“These are Bucalevu Secondary School, Tutu Vocational School and Niusawa School’s dormitory,” Dr Saumalua said.

“All travellers to the North must first register on the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport (MCTTT) portal, have a negative swab and meet strict criteria before being allowed in.

“We have to ensure all protocols are met which includes going through a mandatory 14 days quarantine period .”

He added that there were enough medical professionals on the island to look after COVID-19 patients if the need arises.

“There are six doctors in Taveuni, a private doctor is based on Laucala Island and another private general practitioner is currently in Suva,” he said.

“Taveuni will be supported by Northern Health with the whole of Government approach. We also have enough oxygen cylinders to assist critical COVID-19 patients at Taveuni Sub-divisional Hospital.”

All travellers to the North must first register on the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport (MCTTT) portal, have a negative swab and meet strict criteria before being allowed in. Dr Tiko Saumalua Acting Divisional Medical Officer Northern