Ministry raises concern
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services has expressed concern about travellers not adhering to the seven days of isolation after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
The ministry said existing protocols had been instituted for those testing positive upon arrival to ensure travellers who returned positive COVID-19 test results followed protocols and isolated for the required seven days.
Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong called on the public to support the protection and safety of all Fijians by reminding travellers from overseas about the importance of isolating themselves for seven days if they tested positive for COVID-19. “While there is a low positivity rate among arrivals we are seeing positive arrivals,” he said.
“We are also aware that a key aspect of living with COVID is to have a strong community surveillance system within the community and at the border.”
Dr Fong said this would allow early identification of community outbreaks and facilitate early response.
“As part of our community surveillance exercise, we will be transitioning to the more routine use of throat and nasal swabs as opposed to the more uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swabs.
“As a nation, Fiji has emerged from the period of restrictions that were instituted to protect our people and our country from COVID-19.
“The ministry reiterates that the lifting of masking and other mandates and easing of travel restrictions is not a sign that the risk of outbreak and resurgence of COVID-19 is over.
“It is important that we continue to work together to protect ourselves, our communities and our country from any further.”
The ministry also recorded 34 new COVID-19 cases with no deaths.