The Namara Tiri Settlement in the Macuata Subdivision

The Ministry of Health has detected three new cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Division.

These infections were detected in the Namara Tiri Settlement in the Macuata Subdivision.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says the index case is a freight vehicle driver who works at the Nabouwalu wharf and was tested as part of the routine surveillance program for those working within the Nabouwalu wharf operations.

He tested positive on August 24th and subsequently two household contacts have also turned positive.

Doctor Fong says his previous swabs on 14/7/21 and 3/8/21, and 12/8/21 were negative, suggesting recent exposure and infection.

According to Doctor Fong, the outlook for the cases found in the North indicates a persistent risk of a community outbreak.

He says further tracing and testing results are needed to clearly understand the level of community transmission.

All contacts of the first case identified are in quarantine and so far tested negative.

He says the swabbing results from within the Nabouwalu containment area, and nearby communities are also returning negative.

Meanwhile, six more individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 on Malolo Island bringing the total number of infections to 23 on the island.

Doctor Fong earlier highlighted that a medical team from Lautoka has travelled to Malolo Island to assist the onsite team with the necessary response, including isolation of cases, contact tracing, and quarantine of contacts.

There has also been a COVID-19 death in Somosomo Village, on Naviti island, in the Yasawas.

This is a 94-year-old woman who died at home in Somosomo on Monday.

An investigation is underway into how this person became infected, and the Ministry’s response team in the West is conducting contact tracing and testing to identify more cases on the island.

Doctor Fong says more information will be provided to the public as the investigation progresses.

He adds the situation in Kadavu and Malolo Island is extremely concerning as there is clear evidence of community transmission on both islands.

Doctor Fong says they expect the case numbers to escalate together with the risk of severe disease and death.

He adds the death reported yesterday from Naviti Island in the Yasawas is also of concern as it also suggests there is transmission occurring on the island.

The Ministry recorded 423 new infections for the 24-hour period that ended at 8 am yesterday.

328 cases are from the Western Division, 92 cases are from the Central Division and three cases are from the Northern Division.