First COVID-19 case in Fiji confirmed - Dr. Waqainabete

First COVID-19 case in Fiji confirmed - Dr. Waqainabete

As earlier highlighted on Fijivillage, Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete has tweeted that “there is a single confirmed case of COVID19 in Lautoka that was imported from a patient who had recently travelled abroad. He was immediately isolated, where he remains under careful medical supervision”.



He also says “Our team is identifying all those who he was in contact with. There are no locally transmitted cases in Fiji, but we are vastly expanding containment measures. Details are being finalised now.”

Our team is identifying all those who he was in contact with. There are no locally transmitted cases in Fiji, but we are vastly expanding containment measures. Details are being finalised now. More from @FijiPM coming soon. — Dr I Waqainabete (@Nadokoulu) March 19, 2020

However the panic buying in a number of areas has started in the country with people rushing to get groceries from supermarkets.



Many parents are even rushing to pick up their children from school.



We are urging people to remain calm and take all necessary precautions while we await word from the government on what is happening.

The Education Ministry is not saying anything at the moment on schools.

Stay listening to us as we will have further announcements.



This morning, the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s Tournament was postponed to a later date after organizers announced that there is a case of COVID-19 in Lautoka.



Marist Rugby Club President, Lawrence Tikaram says they received the confirmation this morning and they have taken this step for the safety and welfare of the players and spectators.



Stay with us for more.

COVID-19: Panic Buying Starts By Semi Turaga Thursday 19/03/2020 People are continuing to flock to supermarkets to stock up on food and essential household items as the nation awaits the major announcement by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on the COVID-19 pandemic. Fijivillage visited supermarkets in Suva this morning and found many packed and out of trolleys as they suddenly received an influx of customers. Since 9 o'clock this morning, it has been packed at Extra Supermarket along Flagstaff. Extra Supermarket says on a normal day they have 170 trolleys available but since 9am they have had to bring out 100 more trolleys. It says they have no problems with stock at the moment. Toilet paper has been the consistent item on everyone’s trolley. Saheema Nisha from 9 miles was one of the many that rushed to Extra Supermarket this morning. There were also long lines of people at MH Superfresh in Tamavua. There were people lining up at the counter and also outside waiting for trolleys. MH Superfresh says they have more than enough stock available. Max Value in Flagstaff was also packed this morning. We have been told they have more than enough stock.

