There have been no new cases of COVID-19 since the announcement by the Prime Minister Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama on Wednesday, 25 March. Fiji has 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Since the outbreak of the global pandemic, the Fijian Government through the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services has been proactively responding to this crisis.
Amongst the measures put in place, the Fijian Government has opened a toll-free helpline - 158. This toll-free helpline will replace the four phone numbers which have been operational since the response began.
The public can now call 158 from tomorrow for all COVID-19 related queries and concerns. The helpline is open 24 hours, seven days a week for the duration of the COVID-19 response. Trained staff will be managing calls at the call centre.
We are especially interested in hearing from members of the public who think they or a family member have symptoms of COVID-19.
For Fijians living abroad wishing to enquire about the Fijian COVID-19 response, the number to call is +679 9902158. This is a charged service.
The symptoms of COVID-19 include:
• fever
• flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat or headaches; or
• difficulty breathing.
The Fijian Government remains on the highest level of alert in response to this global pandemic. We know that finding cases early and isolating them quickly is key to containing this disease. As the symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to many other respiratory illnesses (including the common cold and influenza) it is expected that the Ministry will continue to investigate more persons with relevant travel history and symptoms related to COVID-19.
What can you do?
The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services wishes to strongly urge the public to not share rumours and misinformation, and to use credible sources for information on COVID-19:
Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services website:
www.health.gov.fj
Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/MoHFiji/
World Health Organization (WHO) website:
www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services is monitoring the developing situation and will provide updates regularly to the public.