Fiji's second largest island of Vanua Levu has two more cases of Covid-19, bringing the island's total to three, after the first community case was earlier recorded there since the beginning of the current outbreak.
Vanua Levu island now has three confirmed cases of Covid-19. (file photo). Photo: 123rf
Two cases were reported in the island's largest town of Labasa today. The earlier case was detected in the port of Nabouwalu in Bua province.
More restrictions to movement in affected areas, which fall within the Northern Division, was to be discussed today by the Ministry of Health.
Labasa Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Jaoji Vulibeci said the two new cases took part in the domestic repatriations from the capital Suva.
All three patients have been isolated at a quarantine facility in the northern Vanua Levu port town of Malau, he said.
Other parts of the country remain in the grip of a worrying outbreak of the virus, with 590 new cases reported overnight in total, and 11 more deaths, taking the national death toll to 405.
More than 21,000 people are in isolation, three quarters of them at home.
Call to launch vaccination programme in areas it hasn't started
The Fijian government has been called on to fast-track vaccinations outside the higher population dense areas where it is well underway.
Former health minister Dr Neil Sharma said the vaccination roll-out on Vanua Levu had not yet begun, and its rural and ageing population was at risk.
The town of Labasa sits at the centre of the north coast of the island of Vanua Levu (top). Photo: Supplied/ Google Maps
"[They should be] expediting the vaccinations in Vanua Levu, in Taveuni, Tuvalu and Kadavu.
"If they don't then the whole situation could be quite disturbing, with a higher number of deaths taking place."
Dr Sharma said it was likely the Vanua Levu cases arose from transmission of the virus at Nabouwalu Wharf.
Continuing plea to get vaccinated
Police at a checkpoint near Nabouwalu. Photo: Supplied/ Fiji Police
Fiji's Ministry of Health continued its calls for everyone 18 years and older to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Over 91 percent of Fiji's eligible population has had at least a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 37 percent have now had two doses.
Officials said there were a number of ways to access the immunisations, including rolling clinics that visit communities, and mobile teams that can visit those who are housebound.
Warning about Covid-19 self-testing kits and 'medication'
Doctors are alarmed about Covid-19 self-testing kits being marketed in Fiji, and warn testing should only be done by medical professionals.
A plan is being drawn up by the country's Consumer Council and doctors to caution people not to buy them, and the council said the antigen tests should not be sold in pharmacies.
Dr Sharma said the sales must be stopped, because "otherwise unnecessary hurt and harm will arise".
He said there were also concerns about medication that has been claimed to treat the virus, and had been sold over the counter without a prescription, as well.