Fiji is experiencing the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, but local health experts say it isn’t as serious as the second wave.[File photo]

Fiji is experiencing the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, but local health experts say it isn’t as serious as the second wave.

The Ministry of Health says that recent events of excessive crowding on maritime vessels, sporting events, and social gatherings are proving to be “super spreader events,” contributing significantly to the sharp surge in cases.

However, the Ministry remains confident that plans to mitigate this wave and the potential health impact of any severe adverse weather conditions are sufficient.

There have been 805 new cases registered and two deaths of fully vaccinated individuals with underlying conditions were recorded by the Ministry in its recent update.

Of these new cases, 316 were recorded on December 30th, 223 on December 31st and 266 in the last 24 hours, ending at 8am yesterday.

Permanent Secretary, Doctor James Fong says that immunity built through vaccination and prior infection is clearly having a significant impact on reducing severe disease in this third wave.

The Ministry adds that there is an increasing number of cases in all divisions and this is anticipated to increase further and demand ongoing surveillance for early intervention to mitigate COVID-19 risks.

Dr Fong says that their briefings have also revealed that almost all the cases turning positive have minimal symptoms and remain stable.

The Ministry’s goal is to suppress ongoing community transmission to a level that will minimize hospitalization, severe illness, and deaths, as well as minimize severe societal disruption.