Bula vinaka all.
Tonight, the permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong announced 121 new cases of COVID-19. This comes in the wake of 116 announced on Tuesday night. To say this latest number is staggering is probably putting it lightly. Our figures are a major concern. They will attract a lot of attention. There will be a great sense of apprehension, fear to some extent, and uncertainty. There will be questions about what are we doing to arrest the rise in new cases.
Of the total announced tonight, 61 cases are linked to the following existing clusters: Korovou – 1; IMT – 8; CWMH – 26; Tramline, Nawaka, Nadi – 5; Nawajikuma, Nawaka, Nadi – 1; Kinoya – 1; Navosai – 1; Sakoca – 4; Naitasiri – 3; Wailoku – 4; Nasinu Police Barracks – 4; and Navy – 3.
He said a new cluster was identified within the Rewa Emergency Operations Centre, possibly linked to the Vunimono cluster; there were two new cases to report for this cluster. A new cluster was also at the Town House hotel – where CWMH and IMT staff were being accommodated. There were 19 cases within this cluster – likely linked to the CWMH or IMT clusters.
He said 11 cases have been identified as primary contacts of earlier cases, and response teams are determining the cluster link. The remaining are cases from the following areas that are under investigation to determine whether they have links to other cases: Nasevou St, Lami, Nakoba St, Lami, Delainavesi, Lami, Qauia St, Lami, Naituni, Rewa, Qima Settlement, Nadi, Feeder Rd. Tacirua, Wainivula Rd, Cunningham Stage 4, Naduri in Navua, Ura Place, Toorak, Freshet, Makoi, Bau St Nausori, Toga Nausori and Nabitu Nausori.
A few stats for you:
- 21 COVID-19 cases have recovered;
- 1043 active cases in isolation now;
- 1373 cases during this outbreak that started in April 2021;
- 1443 total cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March, 2020;
- 388 recoveries and five deaths due to COVID-19 to date; and
- Seven COVID-19 positive patients have died from pre-existing non-COVID-19 related illnesses.
Again, please adhere to COVID safety rules and stay home. But if you must travel, wear a mask!
Here are some stories that made the headlines in The Fiji Times’ edition for Thursday, June 17.
PAGE 1
The big ones on the front page are:
‘Whole of society’ approach
THE Fiji Council of Churches says Government needs a “whole of society” approach to successfully combat COVID-19 while sustaining the economy.
Northern canegrowers
CANEGROWERS in the Northern Division are refusing to harvest their crop because they are not happy with the recently announced $54.36 per tonne forecast price.
Case numbers
There is a piece about tonight’s numbers.
PAGE 2
Vaccines
community. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA
VACCINES may be a light at the end of the tunnel but “we cannot be blinded by that light”, says United Nations resident co-ordinator Sanaka Samarasinha.
Positive infants
SIX infants who tested positive to COVID-19 are in stable condition at the Lautoka Hospital. Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong confirmed this to The Fiji Times this week.
PAGE 3
Correct Biblical interpretations of vaccination
THE Health Ministry has called on the Fiji Council of Churches to provide tools and resources for correcting biblical and theological interpretations of vaccinations, stress, positive spousal relationships, parent and children relationships, dealing with financial stresses, positive youth programs and programs for children.
Demoralised farmers
FARMERS demoralised by the $54.36 per tonne forecast cane payment for the 2021 season say the only way they will accept it is if the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) cuts and carts their cane for them.
Crushing dates
NEW dates have been announced by the Sugar Tribunal for the commencement of crushing at the Lautoka and Ba sugar mills, two weeks after the original dates were “stayed” by the Sugar Tribunal.
Seek economists’ assistance
THE Fiji Council of Churches states Government should seek the assistance of economists to find a clear strategy to stop COVID-19 while sustaining the economy.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We have some interesting letters on Pages 8 and 9.
PEOPLE
In this popular section of the newspaper, you can read about: Eparama Rokodrava
EPARAMA Rokodrava is widely known as the ‘brushcutter doctor’ in Logani Village, Tailevu. He is the go-to man for anyone who has any issues with their grass-cutting machine.
BACKTRACKS
This section, which comes out every Thursday, has much more than just music. Read about: Song of a brutal murder
ONE would not expect a song about the brutal murder of a young woman to become a hit. But the story of the tragic slaying of 20-year-old schoolteacher Evelyn Nair called Talanoa Ni Noqu Sota Kaya took the Senirauvula Group from obscurity to fame. The abduction and horrific events that led to the Niusawa Methodist School teacher’s death captured headlines across the country in 1972.
SPORTS
The big one on the back page is about: PacificAus Sports Oceania 78s draws
DEFENDING Olympic Games gold medallist Fiji will kick-off its PacificAus Sports Oceania Sevens tournament campaign against Australia next Friday in Townsville.
There’s more to read inside, but you’ll have to get a copy to know what we are talking about!
HOME DELIVERY
With things the way they are right now, have you thought of subscribing for home delivery? No hassles at all. You can wake up to an early edition every morning, fresh off the press. Check below for contact details for Setaita who can assist you.
e-EDITION
I have been getting calls from people who miss the newsprint version. I acknowledge this. You could try reading the newspaper on the e-Edition platform if you are unable to get a copy at a store near you. It’s easy to hook up via mPaisa! You can contact us for details on https://www.fijitimes.com/subscribe/ or you can call Setaita on 7754078, or on 3304111 during office hours, to assist you.
You could also just follow a few steps and read The Fiji Times a few minutes later, live and direct! Here are the simple steps to follow:
1: Log onto www.fijitimes.com 2: Select the SUBSCRIBE tab. 3: Register. 4: Select mPaisa payment option! You won’t know how good it is until you try it! It’s a different experience!
