The Ministry of Health has recorded 109 new COVID-19 cases since its last update on Wednesday.

Of these 40 were recorded on Thursday, and 69 in the last 24 hour period ending at 8 am yesterday.

Of the 109 cases, 68 cases are from the Northern Division; 30 are in the Western Division with 14 cases from border quarantine, and 11 cases have been recorded in the Central Division.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says there is an increase in the number of cases in the North.

He adds this is anticipated to continue to increase, demanding ongoing surveillance for early intervention to mitigate COVID-19 risks.

Doctor Fong says the lifting of containment borders between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, resulted in a large number of travelers moving between the two main islands.

He adds life returned to some normalcy, and some large sporting activities resumed in the North.

He adds as a result the COVID cases have increased.

Doctor Fong says all individuals of the Northern Division must assume that those around them are COVID-19 positive and they must protect themselves at all times.

He stresses that if you are in Vanua Levu and develop any symptoms of COVID-19 you should visit a screening clinic to be checked and tested.