6 Labasa Fire Staff In Self-Isolation, 3 Tested COVID-19 Positive

Six staff of National Fire Authority (NFA) in Labasa have gone into selfisolation after three tested positive for COVID-19.

This was confirmed by the NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane yesterday.

The result for the other three staff will be out today.

Mr Sowane said according to the report he received from the Divisional National Fire Officer Northern on Monday night, they suspect the officers contracted the coronavirus while attending the Fiji Bitter Wairiki Sevens on Taveuni Island.

The tournament was held during the second week of December.

“Even with the few staff away from the station, the operation is not affected,” Mr Sowane said.

“There is no need for deployment of staff from other stations.”

He said all protocols and precautionary measures have been followed.

“Even though we are into the busy week and long weekend we are prepared to attend to any fire calls,” he said.

“Some staff who are only carrying COVID like symptoms are working from home.”

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health and Services Permanent Secretary Doctor James Fong confirmed they have received 11 positive COVID-19 cases linked to the Fiji Bitter Wairiki Tournament this week.

“Our team has escalated surveillance and contact tracing tests,” Dr Fong said.

“As always I have been advising people to be careful when attending social gatherings.”

He emphasised that wearing a mask, use of sanitisers and keeping Bluetooth on must be followed. The Acting Divisional Medical Officer (DMO) North Doctor Tiko Saumalua said the COVID-19 situation was developing

in the Northern Division.