The steady increase in average daily case numbers in combination with other indicators suggests higher daily numbers of cases, hospitalisations, and deaths in the coming weeks, particularly in the Central and Western divisions.
Ministry of Health and Medical Services permanent secretary Dr James Fong made this comment yesterday after noting the increase in daily average of new cases that now stands at 269 cases a day.
He said there had also been a notable increase in positive patients with severe disease, as well as an increase in deaths.
“Until more Fijians are protected through vaccination, there are important steps that must be taken to strengthen our capacity to identify and treat those most vulnerable to the severe disease and death due to COVID-19, including efforts to raise public awareness of COVID-like symptoms,” Dr Fong said.
“The symptoms of COVID-19 may start mild, with runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, fever, headache, bodyache, or diarrhoea.
“However, for some people this could quickly worsen into severe COVID.”
Dr Fong says severe COVID-19 is a medical emergency and the symptoms include:
– Difficulty breathing
– Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
– Severe headache for a few days
– New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake; and
– Pale, gray, or blue-coloured skin, lips or nail beds.
