Fiji: Authorities announce country COVID-19-free as of June 5 /update 8

Event

Fijian authorities announced on Friday, June 5, that the country was free of COVID-19 after the last confirmed patient was discharged. As of Sunday, June 7, it has been 47 days since Fiji recorded its last case. A nationwide curfew remains in place between the hours of 22:00 and 05:00 (local time), and many businesses remain closed. Social distancing is encouraged, and gatherings of more than 20 people are banned. New measures permitting the opening of schools and places of worship, as well as providing guidance for safe workplace measures, are expected to be announced in the coming days.

A nationwide curfew remains in place between the hours of 22:00 and 05:00 (local time), and many businesses remain closed. Social distancing is encouraged, and gatherings of more than 20 people are banned. New measures permitting the opening of schools and places of worship, as well as providing guidance for safe workplace measures, are expected to be announced in the near future.

Travel restrictions are still in effect, with those arriving in Fiji required to self-quarantine for 14 days, and those having visited mainland China, Iran, the US, Europe, or South Korea within the last 14 days being barred from entering the country.

As of June 7, there have been 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fiji, with no associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.