People should not get alarmed or panic when they see full medical suited people - Dr. Waqainabete

Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says people should not get alarmed or panic when they see full medical suited people at hospitals and even in ambulances.

Doctor Waqainabete says they are running their operations 24/7 at all health facilities and are also carrying out full practices in case there is a confirmed COVID-19 case in the near future.

He says he does not want hiccups and they know it is not a matter of if but when Fiji has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

8 returning Fijians from overseas who had symptoms similar to COVID19 have all tested negative for the virus.

Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says the tests were conducted at the state of the art Fiji Centre for Disease Control in Tamavua.

He confirms that there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Fiji at the moment.

The Health Ministry’s plan to deal with COVID-19 is to take all preventative measures, act definitively and swiftly, contain and then isolate as quickly as possible.

Patients who go with flu like symptoms, cough and respiratory problems are already being isolated to a separate outpatients room at all public hospitals.

Doctor Waqainabete says they have a clear process to determine if the person needs to be tested, and they then decide to contain and isolate the person.

The Health Minister also confirms that all immediate contacts of the person will also be monitored and self isolation at their homes will also be an option.

He stresses that containment and isolation is absolutely necessary. Banning mass gatherings is also part of the option if the number of cases become an issue.

Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fiji, Doctor Waqainabete is calling on people to start taking the necessary precautions.

He says personal hygiene is very important as you have to keep washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face especially your mouth, nose and eyes.

Doctor Waqainabete says as the symptoms of coronavirus are very similar to many other respiratory illnesses, it is expected that with time the Ministry will investigate more persons with relevant travel history and symptoms related to coronavirus.

He stresses that although there are no confirmed cases in Fiji, people should also start taking precautions and stop shaking hands with people.

You are also advised not to share yaqona bilos and taki glasses.