Health staff have gone through re-training on how to deal with confirmed or suspectecd cases of coronavirus - Dr Waqainabete

Minister for Health, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says that over the last two weeks, Health staff have gone through re-training in infection control and how to deal with confirmed or suspected cases of Novel Coronavirus with advice from the World Heath Organisation.

Dr. Waqainabete says there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Fiji and says the government and the Ministry of Health is doing its due diligence in making sure that the people are learning about this virus and how it behaves. 

The Health Minister says that as a government, the health of the people is a priority and they are very committed and compassionate about the people but people need to work together and creating fear is not a way to deal with this.

He has also denied rumours that the Navua Hospital will be turned into a coronavirus quarantine centre for other nations.

Doctor Waqainabete says Fiji would never do anything that will put the lives of Fijians at risk.

He stresses that they are not transferring services to the old Navua Hospital.

However SODELPA MP, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua has started a petition saying the proposed decision by the Government to declare the new Navua Hospital a Coronavirus Quarantine Centre and relocate the Navua Hospital to its old site has sent down shivers to the spine of the people of Serua, Namosi and Navua.

He says the proposed move is likely to not only jeopardize public health but fear away investors and tourists from Navua for a long period of time having a perilous effect on the already dormant Navua economy.

Ratu Suliano says that they also oppose the transfer of health care and medical services for the people of the region to the old Navua Hospital.