Dr Fong says test positivity of 33.5% in the West indicates a very high level of community transmission
There is clear evidence of community transmission on Kadavu and Malolo Island – Dr Fong

Dr Fong says test positivity of 33.5% in the West indicates a very high level of community transmission

There is clear evidence of community transmission on Kadavu and Malolo Island – Dr Fong

By Naveel Krishant
Sunday 29/08/2021
Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor Fong [image: Fijian Govt/MOH COVID-19 Dashboard.]

The Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong says they are still seeing a high number of cases and high test positivity of 33.5% in the Western Division indicating a very high level of community transmission.

Dr Fong says the test positivity in the Central Division is on a downward trend but still indicating a very high level of community transmission at 20.5%.

He says deaths have also been decreasing in Suva-Nausori over the last 4 weeks, while deaths in the West are still at a high level, with deaths per day at a 7 day average in the Western Division now surpassing the Central Division.

Dr Fong says the 7-day average of new cases per day is 334 cases per day or 377 cases per million population per day.

He adds as previously announced daily case numbers in Suva-Nausori are currently not being used as the sole indicator to monitor progress of the outbreak.

Dr Fong further says the Ministry is closely monitoring other indicators such as test positivity, hospitalisations and deaths to track the progress of the outbreak.

He also says with the decrease in testing numbers, testing remains above the World Health Organization’s recommended rate of 4 per 1000 population per week or about 3500 tests per week.

Dr Fong adds they will be transitioning to community surveillance testing as severe disease numbers and positivity rates approach the containment phase levels.

Dr Fong says the outlook for the cases found in the North indicate a persistent risk of a community outbreak and further tracing and testing results are needed to clearly understand the level of community transmission.

He says all contacts of the first case identified are in quarantine and so far testing negative.

Dr Fong further says the swabbing results from within the Nabouwalu containment area, and nearby communities are also returning negative.

The Nabouwalu index case (wharf worker) is in stable condition and the members of his family have continued to test negative for the virus.

Dr Fong says all primary contacts’ exit swabs have also returned negative.

He further says in regards to the three positive cases in Namara Tiri Labasa, they have established 60 primary contacts so far, adding that all have been swabbed and have returned negative results.

Dr Fong highlighted that the situation in Kadavu and Malolo Island is extremely concerning as there is clear evidence of community transmission on both islands.

He says they expect the case numbers to escalate together with the risk of severe disease and death.

Dr Fong adds the death reported from Naviti Island in the Yasawas is also of concern as it also suggests there is transmission occurring on the island.

FEATURE NEWS
Anyone found engaging in drug-related activities will not be allowed to live in the province – Tui Namosi
The Turaga na Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, has issued a stern warning to anyone from his province thinking of engaging in drug-related activi...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Yaqona sessions and kava barrels are breaking families in Fiji – Akauola
People who are knocking off from work and going directly to the yaqona session is a concern because it is breaking families, the government has to ...
4 hours ago

MOH always out of stock as they have to get 3 quotes for all medicine when they run out – Dr Vakamocea
The process that Government and the Ministry of Health are using when it comes to the Fiji Procurement Office and the Ministry of Finance is that ...
4 hours ago

If no change to the Mining Act, I won’t allow any mining in Namosi – Ratu Suliano
The Turaga na Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua has made a strong and bold statement that they will only talk about investments in mining in their ...
5 hours ago

Shona Amputch selected for specialist training in India to advance children’s healthcare in Fiji
Shona Amputch is happy to be one of the five nurses at Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital selected to participate in a free specialist medical ...
6 hours ago

PRF launches Christmas Gift and Stationary Drive to bring joy to children of recycling workers
The children of Collection Pillars of Recycling have a little something to look forward to this holiday season as Pacific Recycling Foundation has ...
7 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
6 days ago

Continuous Radiology and Pharmacy services are now expected at Government Hospitals
Serious concerns are being raised by the public as the Ministry of Health has decided that radiology services and pharmacies at Government hospitals ...
7 days ago

Ratu Wiliame Katonivere declines Presidential nomination after an internal audit and investigation report
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term ...
8 days ago

TOP