The Health Ministry says it continues to be on high alert and is preparing for possible importation of cases of the Novel Coronavirus with more cases detected in countries around the world, including in neighbouring countries such as Australia.
There have been 15 confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus in Australia.
More than 34,800 people have been infected with the new coronavirus worldwide, the vast majority in China.
There have been 723 deaths in China and one death abroad, in the Philippines.
Of the 34,598 people infected within China, almost 25,000 are in Hubei Province - the region where the outbreak was first reported, which has since become the epicentre of the virus.
Figure 1. Countries, territories or areas with reported confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV, 8 February 2020
Table 1. Confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease reported by provinces, regions and cities in China, 8 February 2020
Table 2. Countries, territories or areas with reported confirmed 2019-nCoV cases and deaths. Data as of 8 February 2020
There are no confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus in Fiji.
Three people in Fiji with a travel history to China were recently in isolation but they have since been released after they tested negative for the virus.
The Health Ministry says it is expected that with time the Ministry will investigate more persons with relevant travel history and symptoms related to Novel Coronavirus.
How can you prevent yourself from getting Novel Coronavirus and other diseases?
- Frequently clean hands soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
- When coughing or sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
- Avoid travel to mainland China
If you have been to mainland China in the last 14 days and develop symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing), immediately contact one of the numbers listed below.
If you need to see a doctor please call ahead, using the following phone numbers, before visiting to reduce the risk of infecting other patients.
- Central 2219905
- Eastern 2219906
- Western 2219907
- Northern 2219908
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