25 Mar 2020

Covid-19 cases in Guam and Fiji on the increase

4:52 pm on 25 March 2020
Lourdes Leon Guerrero

Lourdes Leon Guerrero Photo: White House official photo

The US territory of Guam and Fiji have both had more confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Guam has confirmed three more cases of Covid-19 bringing the US territory's official total to 32, including one death.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero announced the cases earlier today.

The latest cases come a day after Ms Guerrero signed an executive order extending a social isolation mandate and limiting non-essential businesses and government operations through to 13 April.

She said Guam must do more.

"Experts say if we don't cut our spread rate in half to 16.5 percent, our health care system might be overwhelmed by next week. "

Schools, parks and beaches remain closed and social gatherings are prohibited.

Non-essential businesses will have to remain shuttered until mid-April.

Of the 32 cases, 21 have stablised while five remain in hospital.

A 68 year old woman died on Sunday after becoming infected with Covid-19.

Fiji has Covid-19 cases now number five

Meanwhile Fiji has its fifth Covid-19 case and the patient is linked to the country's first patient.

The government said the woman attended a Zumba class with the flight attendant who initially tested positive.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama says those who were at the class have been instructed to go into quarantine.

The government had already appealed to passengers on the international flights the first case was on to isolate.

Mr Bainimarama said the other four coronavirus cases are in isolation and in a stable condition.

Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama, flanked by government officials and ministers, announces the country's first case of Covid-19 coronavirus on Thursday.

Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama, flanked by government officials and ministers, announces the country's first case of Covid-19 coronavirus on Thursday. Photo: Supplied / Fiji government