24 Jun 2021

Covid infections in Fiji soar - four deaths reported

3:41 pm on 24 June 2021

Fiji has reported its highest daily total of positive Covid-19 infections with 279 cases in the 24 hours to 8am Wednesday.

Health officials also confirm four deaths due to the virus.

The first two deaths were announced on Tuesday as being under investigation to determine if they were caused by Covid-19.

Their doctors have now confirmed that Covid-19 caused the deaths of both these individuals.

Pharmaceutical research Scientist developing a new drug or vaccine in the lab.

Photo: AFP / Tek Image/Science Photo Library

The third death was a 62-year-old male from Nausori who was referred in severe respiratory distress.

The fourth death is a 77-year-old female who had been admitted for a pre-existing condition but her doctors have confirmed she died due to Covid-19.

These deaths take the toll to eleven.

All 279 of these new patients are currently in isolation at home or in a facility.

The permanent health secretary, James Fong said there are another nine patients at the CWM Hospital with severe cases of Covid-19.

One is a 30-year-old with no pre-existing illness.

Despite the increase in cases and deaths, Dr Fong said there will soon be enough vaccines for every adult, thanks to the support of India, Australia and New Zealand.

"So far, more than 280,000 Fijians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. More than 180,000 are already fully-vaccinated," he said.

"Of the nearly 300,000 people which have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, there are zero deaths caused by a Covid-19 vaccine in Fiji. Every report of an adverse event has been thoroughly investigated. No serious ill effects have been linked to the vaccine.

"That is in line with the global data that shows the risk of such an adverse event is extremely low.

"Meanwhile, of the 2,479 cases detected in this outbreak, 11 Fijians have died from the virus. I ask everyone to please do the math. This virus is a killer -- the risk that it claims more lives is huge. In contrast, vaccines offer us huge protection. And we need that protection urgently."