Fiji's health secretary has berated a group for hosting a birthday party which resulted in several cases of covid-19.
At a media conference last night James Fong revealed a new area of concern in Rifle Range, Lautoka on the main island Viti Levu following a cluster of new cases stemming from the party where at least 14 people were in attendance.
He said this showed a blatant disregard for Covid-19 safety measures, and that it troubled him that families would recklessly threaten the health of their own family and the broader community
"Any large gathering of family may be the last time you see your grandparents or another loved one because they could easily be infected by this highly-transmissible variant, develop a severe disease, and lose their lives," he said.
"Don't forget - it's not only you and your family that suffer these consequences. The entire community must now go under strict containment protocols. And when someone in attendance at an illegal gathering inevitably gets sick and ends up in the hospital, it is the duty of our doctors and nurses to treat them, and we will.
"But that preventable case of Covid-19 strains our healthcare system, making it more difficult for others to be treated."
There were 274 confirmed cases in the 24-hour period ending at 8am on Wednesday. However, there were no further deaths.
.. Photo: Fiji govt
Referring to the ministry's online map, he said Viti Levu was now in a situation of community transmission where there are cases throughout the Central Division.
"As we've made clear throughout the week, our cases are climbing and we are expecting that the daily case average will continue to rise, including an increase in individuals suffering severe Covid-19."
Dr Fong urged anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to report to the nearest screening clinic immediately.
The health ministry's highest priority is to provide life-saving treatment, he said.
"Over the next few weeks as the case numbers increase, the isolation facilities will get tested. Only severe cases will be at the isolation facilities, others will be in-home isolation."
Those in home isolation will be provided groceries and other essentials, Dr Fong said.
"165 is the number to call if you need to be taken to a Covid-19 Care Centre. A new intermediate facility is being set up at the National Gymnasium in Suva."
Dr Fong said they are bracing for a wave of new cases in the next four to five days.
"The ideal place to get swabbed if you believe you have symptoms is the screening clinics."
Dr James Fong. Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt
While 50 percent of the target population have received their first jab, Dr Fong said he was concerned at those still opposing the vaccine.
"This is a new vaccine because this is a new disease and it can defeat this virus."
Dr James Fong also revealed he is back in quarantine after coming into contact with a positive patient.
Earlier this month, Dr Fong was in isolation as a potential primary contact for another medical team member.
Official announcements
Meanwhile, all official announcements regarding the government's Covid-19 response efforts will only be made by the Health Ministry.
This comes amid wide circulation of a fake advisory of the change in curfew hours via social media.
In a statement, the National Disasters Management Office (NDMO) urged the public to disregard all false and misleading posts as such.
"Stop spreading misinformation and continue to adhere to all Covid-19 safety measures and protocols in place," the NDMO said.
Earlier, police issued a statement saying any changes made would be announced to the public.
As for now, the curfew from 10pm to 4am (local time) for containment zones and some parts of the country remains unchanged, police chief Rusiate Tudravu said.
He pleaded with the public to continue to adhere to the health restrictions in place.
Over 1,000 people, majority intoxicated, have been arrested for breach of curfew and health-related restrictions.
Tudravu said some people were arrested for drinking kava.
Police will continue to monitor and enforce these restrictions, he said.
Fiji now has 3,503 positive people in isolation with 19 deaths reported since this latest outbreak started in mid-April.
.. Photo: Fiji govt