Fiji: Authorities confirm first COVID-19 fatality July 31 /update 10

Event

Health Minister Ifereimi Waqainabete confirmed on Friday, July 31, that the first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related fatality has been recorded in the country. The deceased, a 66 year old man who reportedly contracted the virus in India, died in Lautoka hospital on Thursday, July 30. 

A nationwide curfew remains in place from 23:00 - 04:00 (local time) and will remain in place until further notice. Travel restrictions remain in effect; only residents and Fijian citizens are allowed to return to Fiji.

Additionally, some restrictions have been relaxed, with gatherings of up to 100 people being permitted for weddings, funerals, conferences, community gatherings, and in cafes and restaurants.

As of July 31, health authorities have confirmed 27 COVID-19 cases. Further 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.