A likely influx of hospitalizations is the biggest worry for the Ministry of Health.

This is despite Omicron being less severe than the Delta variant of COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health says despite evidence that the Omicron variant can infect a larger number of people in a shorter time, a sudden spike in hospitalizations will put pressure on the health system.

Minister for Health, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says that people must not be complacent in order to relieve pressure on health systems.

Waqainabete says there is already limited manpower and they will not be able to monitor all activities and he has called for people to behave responsibly.

“I really like to encourage all of us to take leadership and responsibility. We don’t have a lot of staff that can come around and judge whether your set-up is correct or not. We don’t have that number of staff and I want to make it very clear that whenever you leave home, when you pick up your phone, please pick up your mask.”

Dr. Waqainabete says Omicron will surely overtake Delta in terms of infections, and following COVID-safe measures is key to protection.

The Ministry of Health is urging Fijians to assume they have COVID if they show any symptoms and follow all measures in order to help our health system.