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COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji
Fiji-map-blank.png
DiseaseCOVID-19
Virus strainSARS-CoV-2
LocationFiji
First outbreakWuhan, Hubei, China
Index caseLautoka, Western Division, Viti Levu
Arrival date19 March 2020 (2020-03-19)
(10 months and 1 week ago)
Confirmed casesNegative increase55 (As of 25 January 2021)
Active casesPositive decrease0 (As of 25 January 2021)
RecoveredIncrease53 (As of 25 January 2021)
Deaths
Negative increase2[1] (As of 25 January 2021)
Fatality ratePositive decrease3.64%
Government website
Health.gov.fj
Part of a series on the
COVID-19 pandemic
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Timeline
2019

2020

2021

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International response
Medical response

2021

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Medical response
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International response
  • United Nations
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    • India
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      The COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first case of the disease in Fiji was reported on 19 March 2020 in Lautoka. As of 25 January 2021, the country has had a total of 55 cases as of which none are currently active and 2 deaths, with all cases recorded in the islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

      In the early stages of the pandemic, Fiji imposed travel bans on highly affected countries. As the pandemic worsen, Fiji closed all borders and ports to non residents. Ports were closed on 16 March and the main international airport in Nadi was closed on 26 March. Returning citizens were required to self isolate at a government funded facility for 14 days, supervised by Health Officials and the Military. Domestically, the government responded by imposing a national curfew, restricting large gatherings and closing down schools and non essential services. The government imposed lockdowns in Lautoka and Suva and developed a contact tracing app named careFIJI. The government established a Centre for Disease Control for COVID-19 testing and built fever clinics nationwide for temperature checks. Such measures has helped eliminate local transmissions of the virus.

      Since July 2020, Fiji has only recorded cases from managed quarantine facilities at the border as repatriation flights continue to bring citizens home. This has allowed the country to relax its COVID-19 restrictions to boost its economic recovery. Such actions were announcing a travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand and re-opening educational institutions and non-essential services however the national curfew is currently ongoing. In December 2020, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services announced restrictions to all flights entering Fiji due to a discovery of a new variant of the coronavirus, Variant of Concern 202012/01 in the United Kingdom. The new variant appears to be more contagious than previous variants but there was no evidence on its virulence and susceptibility to vaccinations were unclear. Under the restrictions, all inbound passenger flights to Fiji scheduled between 24 December and 28 December was suspended.

      The pandemic forced Fiji to reduce its interest rate. The country's economy is expected to contract after decades of economic growth due to pandemic's impact on tourism, retail, manufacturing and trade. The International Labour Organisation and the Asian Development Bank issued reports about workers being affected and warned about the rising youth unemployment rate and child labour. The impacts has also prompted residents to leave the country for short term employment overseas. There were even reported incidents of racism and xenophobia against Chinese people or to those perceived as such. Misinformation and conspiracy theories surfaced, questioning the origin of the virus and the government's response to the pandemic. Domestic violence and assault cases against women also increased as a result of lockdowns.

      Background

      On 12 January, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, who had initially come to the attention of the WHO on 31 December 2019.[2][3]

      Compared to SARS of 2003, the case fatality ratio for COVID-19 [4][5] has been much lower, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.[6][4]

      Timeline

      See also: Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic
      COVID-19 cases in Fiji  (
        )
             Deaths        Recoveries        Active cases
        2020202020212021
        MarMarAprAprMayMayJunJunJulJulAugAugSepSepOctOctNovNovDecDec
        JanJan
        Last 15 daysLast 15 days
        Date
        # of cases
        # of deaths
        2020-03-19
        ​
        		 1(n.a.) In the early stages of the pandemic, Fiji imposed travel bans on highly affected countries. As the pandemic worsen, Fiji closed all borders and ports to non residents. Ports were closed on 16 March and the main international airport in Nadi was closed on 26 March. Returning citizens were required to self isolate at a government funded facility for 14 days, supervised by Health Officials and the Military. Domestically, the government responded by imposing a national curfew, restricting large gatherings and closing down schools and non essential services. The government imposed lockdowns in Lautoka and Suva and developed a contact tracing app named careFIJI. The government established a Centre for Disease Control for COVID-19 testing and built fever clinics nationwide for temperature checks. Such measures has helped eliminate local transmissions of the virus.

        Since July 2020, Fiji has only recorded cases from managed quarantine facilities at the border as repatriation flights continue to bring citizens home. This has allowed the country to relax its COVID-19 restrictions to boost its economic recovery. Such actions were announcing a travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand and re-opening educational institutions and non-essential services however the national curfew is currently ongoing. In December 2020, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services announced restrictions to all flights entering Fiji due to a discovery of a new variant of the coronavirus, Variant of Concern 202012/01 in the United Kingdom. The new variant appears to be more contagious than previous variants but there was no evidence on its virulence and susceptibility to vaccinations were unclear. Under the restrictions, all inbound passenger flights to Fiji scheduled between 24 December and 28 December was suspended.

        The pandemic forced Fiji to reduce its interest rate. The country's economy is expected to contract after decades of economic growth due to pandemic's impact on tourism, retail, manufacturing and trade. The International Labour Organisation and the Asian Development Bank issued reports about workers being affected and warned about the rising youth unemployment rate and child labour. The impacts has also prompted residents to leave the country for short term employment overseas. There were even reported incidents of racism and xenophobia against Chinese people or to those perceived as such. Misinformation and conspiracy theories surfaced, questioning the origin of the virus and the government's response to the pandemic. Domestic violence and assault cases against women also increased as a result of lockdowns.

        On 12 January, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, who had initially come to the attention of the WHO on 31 December 2019.[2][3]

        Compared to SARS of 2003, the case fatality ratio for COVID-19 [4][5] has been much lower, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.[6][4]

        Timeline

        See also: Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic
        COVID-19 cases in Fiji  (
          )
               Deaths        RecoveriesCompared to SARS of 2003, the case fatality ratio for COVID-19 [4][5] has been much lower, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.[6][4]


          February 2020

          On 3 February, the Government of Fiji toughened border security. Borders were closed to foreign nationals who have been in mainland China within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.[7] Measures to maintain a hygienic environment and screening ill passengers will continue to be taken in-flight to further minimise any risk.[8]

          On 27 February, Fiji extended its travel ban and announced that travellers from Italy, Iran and the South Korean cities of Daegu and Cheongdo would be denied entry. From 28 February, all cruise ships entering Fiji have been required to make first berths at ports in Suva and Lautoka, where passengers undergo medical and travel history checks.[9]

          March 2020

          On 15 March, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama had announced that from 16 March cruise ships will be banned from berthing anywhere in Fiji and international events will not be allowed in Fiji. Government ministers and staff will be restricted from travelling overseas.[10]

          On 19 March, Fiji confirmed its first case, a 27 year old Fijian citizen and flight attendant of Fiji Airways. He had arrived from San Francisco returning via Nadi on 16 March. On 17 March, he had travelled from Nadi to Auckland and a return from Auckland to Nadi on the same day. He was admitted to Lautoka Hospital. [11] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced a further extension of the ban to foreign nationals who had been present in the United States, as well as all of Europe including the United Kingdom. Also all travellers arriving in or returning to Fiji from outside of the country had to self-isolate for 14 days.[12] On 20 March, all schools and non-essential businesses in Lautoka had been closed at midnight, however banks, supermarkets, pharmacies and essential businesses remained open.[13][14] The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar in consultation with the Prime Minister announced that the national term one school holidays that were initially scheduled from 20 April to 1 May would be brought forward, to 23 March to 3 April.[15] Fiji Airways suspended all international flights until the end of May, with the exception of twice-weekly services between Singapore and Nadi.[16] The government established two fever clinics in Lautoka.[17]

          On 21 March, Fiji confirmed its second case and the first local transmission case through household contact. She is the mother of the first patient and was admitted in Nadi Hospital. Other family members remained in quarantine and being monitored.[18]

          On 23 March, Fiji confirmed its third case, a one-year-old nephew of the first patient.[19] The government established eight fever clinics around the country with six clinics running in Nasinu, Labasa, Savusavu, and Nabouwalu. Two others had been running in Lautoka since 20 March.[20]

          On 24 March, Fiji confirmed its fourth case, a 28-year-old Fijian citizen, who had returned from Sydney over the weekend and was not related to the first three cases. He and his immediate family members were in quarantine and being monitored at the Navua Hospital.[21] Fiji Airways had suspended all Singapore and Hong Kong flights after the two countries introduced border restrictions.[22]

          On 25 March, Fiji confirmed its fifth case, a 31-year-old female from Lautoka. She was in contact with the first case, the flight attendant.[23] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced that Nadi International Airport would shut down from 26 March and all local shipping services would cease from 29 March.[24]

          On 26 March, Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum revealed the COVID-19 response budget.[25]

          On 27 March, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. that would take effect on 30 March.[26]

          On 30 March, Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar announced that the school holidays would be extended for another two weeks until 17 April.[27]

          April 2020

          On 1 April, Minister for Health and Medical Services Ifereimi Waqainabete announced that the Lautoka lock down will be extended till 7 April to ensure that no COVID-19 cases left undetected.[28]

          On 2 April, Fiji confirmed two cases, a couple from Suva. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama stated that the sixth case is a 22-year-old woman and the seventh case is her 33-year-old husband. They are admitted at Navua Hospital. Due to this, the Prime Minister announced that Suva will be going into a lockdown effective from 3 April at 5 a.m. Also, the government renewed the national curfew where it will start from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.[29]

          On 4 April, Fiji confirmed five cases from Labasa, Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. Two cases was confirmed in Labasa, a 53-year-old Fijian citizen who is the ninth case, he is related to the sixth and seventh case and is admitted at Labasa Hospital. The ninth case had arrived from India via Singapore on 22 March. He had failed to isolate for 14 days, thus increasing the risk of community transmission in Fiji. It is believed that he contracted the disease while attending the Tablighi Jamaat in India. An eighth case was confirmed in Lautoka, a 39-year-old female from Natowaqa. She is admitted at Lautoka Hospital. A tenth case was confirmed in Nadi, a 20-year-old Fijian citizen from Nadovi with travel history to Auckland. An eleventh case was confirmed in Labasa, the 26-year-old daughter-in-law of the ninth case. A twelfth case was confirmed in Suva, a 11-year-old female who contracted the disease from her parents, the sixth and seventh cases. She is admitted at Navua Hospital.[30][31]

          On 6 April, Fiji confirmed two cases from Labasa and Lautoka. In Lautoka, the thirteen case of the sister of Fiji's first case was confirmed positive of the disease. She is also the mother of the third case a one-year-old boy who was also confirmed positive of the disease earlier. In Labasa, the fourteen case was the 53-year-old wife of the ninth case. She was taken into isolation two days before being diagnosed positive.[32]

          On 7 April, Fiji confirmed its fifteenth case, a 33-year-old man from Lautoka. This case is linked to the first case of the flight attendant. He is the husband of the fifth case.[33] Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho had confirmed that a police investigation would proceed for the 27-year-old flight attendant from Lautoka who was the first confirmed COVID-19 case and the ninth case a 53-year-old Labasa man for allegedly breaching the Public Health Regulations.[34]

          On 10 April, Fiji confirmed its sixteenth case, a 9-year-old female from Labasa. She is the granddaughter of the ninth case and is admitted in Labasa hospital.[35]

          On 16 April, Fiji confirmed its seventeenth case, a 21-year-old male from Labasa. He is the relative of the ninth case.[36] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced that schools will remain closed till 15 June. He also announced the extension of the quarantine period to a full 28 days, both for anyone who is newly quarantined and to those who currently are waiting out their initial 14-day period.[37]

          On 20 April, Fiji confirmed its eighteenth case, a 51-year-old Fijian citizen who resides in Ba. She had arrived from the United States on 22 March.[38] Meanwhile, three people have recovered and had been discharged from hospital.[39]

          May 2020

          On 2 May, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed two additional recoveries with a 78% recovery rate.[40]

          On 8 May, Fiji Airways extended all flight suspension till the end of June due to the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.[41]

          On 15 May, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed one additional recovery. He added that the curfew hours would still remain in place.[42]

          June 2020

          On 5 June, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed the recovery of all the three remaining active cases, entailing a 100% recovery rate.[43] The Ministry of Education extended the school break for another two weeks with the anticipated reopening date set on 30 June.[44]

          On 21 June, Fiji announced the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions as part of its efforts to restart the economy. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced new nationwide curfew hours from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. that came into effect on 22 June. Social gathering numbers, which also include gatherings at weddings, funerals, cafes, restaurants and worship, were increased from 20 to 100 people. Gyms, fitness centers, cinemas and swimming pools were re-opened on 22 June, however nightclubs remained closed. Schools were re-opened for year 12 and 13 students on 30 June, and universities could also re-open for face to face classes. The Prime Minister announced the Bula Bubble plan for some Pacific Island countries and also for the Australian and New Zealand tourism markets. The plan stipulated that travellers could either present a medical certificate from a recognized medical institution certifying their 14 days quarantine in their home country, along with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours upon arriving in Fiji, or complete 14 days quarantine in Fiji at their own cost, after which they could start their Bula Bubble.[45]

          On 30 June, Fiji quarantined 160 Fijian peacekeeping soldiers who had returned from Sinai in Egypt. The military had expressed concern that some of the troops may have been in contact with individuals who had tested positive for COVID-19.[46]

          July 2020

          On 1 July 112 Fijians had arrived in Nadi on a repatriation flight from India. The returning citizens had been transferred to a government funded quarantine facility. A Fijian citizen died on board the flight operated by Garuda Indonesia. He was tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding the flight from New Delhi, India.[47][48]

          On 6 July, Fiji confirmed its nineteenth COVID-19 case. A 66-year-old Fijian citizen who had returned from India. He was transferred at Nadi hospital to be quarantined.[49]

          On 7 July, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases. Patient twenty is a 37-year-old man who is the son of the nineteenth case a 66-year-old man. The other confirmed case is a 36-year-old woman, both cases had returned from India.[50]

          On 10 July, Fiji confirmed five COVID-19 cases. The five are a 44-year-old male, a 38-year-old female, a 51-year-old male, a 29-year-old female and a 47-year-old male. All five cases returned from India.[51]

          On 20 July, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case. A 50-year-old female who was repatriated from India.[52]

          On 31 July, Fiji recorded its first death from COVID-19. A 66-year-old man who was repatriated from India.[53]

          August 2020

          On 12 August, Fiji confirmed two additional COVID-19 recoveries in managed isolation.[54]

          On 13 August, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case. A 61-year-old male who had travelled from Sacramento, United States, transiting through Auckland and arriving in Nadi on flight NZ 952 on 6 August.[55]

          On 22 August, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[56]

          On 25 August, Fiji confirmed a second COVID-19 death: the 61-year-old who arrived on 6 August.[57]

          September 2020

          On 1 September, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case. A 25-year-old female nurse who contracted the disease while treating patients in managed isolation.[58]

          On 2 September, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[59]

          On 4 September, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases. A 55-year-old and 22-year-old male who had arrived from New Delhi, India on 27 August.[60]

          On 8 September, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case. A 64-year-old female who had arrived from India.[61]

          On 22 September, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[62]

          October 2020

          On 13 October, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[63][64]

          On 21 October, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case.[65][66]

          On 27 October, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 recovery.[67]

          On 30 October, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case; a 57-year-old male who was repatriated from Nairobi, Kenya.[68]

          November 2020

          On 2 November, Fiji Rugby Union CEO, John O'Connor confirmed that three Fijians from the Flying Fijian team tested positive for COVID-19 in Limoges, France.[69][70][71] On 8 November, the Fiji Rugby Union announced that the three infected players tested negative.[72]

          On 11 November, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case; 53-year-old male who arrived on a repatriation flight from New Zealand.[73]

          On 14 November, the FRU confirmed four cases of COVID-19; they are among the Flying Fijian team in France.[74]

          On 18 November, 29 members from the Flying Fijian team tested positive for COVID-19.[75]

          On 25 November, Fiji confirmed three COVID-19 cases. The first two cases are in their 40s and the third case is a 51 year old non citizen.[76] All three cases arrived on a repatriation flight from Auckland on 15 November.[77]

          On 30 November, Fiji confirmed four COVID-19 cases. They are a 28-year-old female and 58-year-old male who had travelled from Kenya, a 36-year-old male traveling from Mali, and a 53-year-old male traveling from France.[78]

          December 2020

          On 3 December, Fiji confirmed two new cases of COVID-19; they are a 75 year old and 57 year old both females who lived in Auckland, New Zealand. Though they had both tested negative prior to departing Auckland, they subsequently tested positive during the 12th day of their time in managed isolation in Fiji. The Fijian Health Ministries believes they contracted the virus from a positive case who was traveling on the same flight.[79][80]

          On 5 December, the Ministry of Health launched an investigation about a COVID-19 related risk at the Lautoka Hospital and disallowed visitors from entering.[81][82]

          On 6 December, Fiji confirmed that two sailors aboard a cargo ship that entered the country on 2 December tested positive for COVID-19.[a][83] The sailors as well as border officials that had close contacts with them were quarantined.[84] However this cases were not counted as official border cases as the Ministry was awaiting information on whether these individuals have tested positive in another country.[85]

          On 8 December, Fiji confirmed two recoveries.[86]

          On 11 December, Fiji counted the two unofficial border cases from 6 December as part of its total tally of cases as New Zealand health authorities have confirmed that they had tested negative on 5 and 12 November while undergoing 14 days of quarantine in New Zealand.[87]

          On 17 December, Fiji confirmed two recoveries.[88]

          On 22 December, Fiji confirmed two recoveries entailing a 100% recovery rate.[89] The COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT)[b] announced that all inbound passenger flights to Fiji scheduled between 24 December and 28 December have been ceased.[90] This is in response of the discovery of a new variant of the novel coronavirus, Variant of Concern 202012/01 in the United Kingdom which appears to be more contagious than previous variants.[91] Thus, the Ministry of Health used that time to conduct an extensive review of its border quarantine processes.[92][93]

          On 29 December, Fiji confirmed three COVID-19 cases. They are a 32-year-old male and a 32-year-old female that arrived from New Delhi, India.[94] The third case is a 34-year-old female who travelled from England and arrived in Fiji from Hong Kong.[95][96]

          January 2021

          On 6 January, Fiji confirmed four COVID-19 cases. They are a 25-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman who arrived from New Delhi, India.[97] The third case is a 35-year-old man who travelled from the United Kingdom and arrived in Fiji from Auckland and the other case is a 55-year-old man who travelled from Mali and arrived from Auckland.[98] The Ministry of Health also added that there is another positive case however the case is considered historical since the 39-year-old man had already tested positive between October and December while travelling in France and the United Kingdom.[99]

          On 15 January, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases.[100] They are a 49-year-old female and 58-year-old female who arrived from New Zealand on 24 December 2020.[101]

          International response

          The World Health Organization placed an epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and provided medical supplies of 888,500 surgical masks, 53,400 N95 masks, 29,200 face shields, 2,000 protective goggles, 4,000 isolation gowns and 26,750 GeneXpert testing cartridges.[102] The WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Takeshi Kasai praised Fiji's response saying "Going 200 days without reporting any locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 is a huge achievement."[103]

          The World Bank provided funding of US$7.4 million (FJ$16 million) to strengthen Fiji's health system. The Bank also provided additional medical supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), intensive care units (ICU) and ventilators as well as installing medical incinerators that will serve three divisional hospital. Country Director for the World Bank in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands Michel Kerf praised Fiji's response saying "Fiji's swift, comprehensive response to the threat posed by COVID19 has been an achievement that has been deservedly recognized globally."[104]

          Impacts

          See also: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

          Economy

          When Fiji confirmed its first case of COVID-19, there was a surge in panic shopping seen in supermarkets in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.[105] On 18 March, the Reserve Bank of Fiji reduced its overnight policy rate (OPR)[c] and predicted the domestic economy to fall into a recession after decades of economic growth.[106] GDP is expected to contract severely in 2020, with the economy predicted to contract by 21.7 per cent in the same year due to poor tourism activity.[107][108] Annual inflation remained in negative territory in May (-1.7%) and is forecast to edge up to 1.0 percent by year-end.[109]

          In April 2020, the Construction Industry Council reported that they are already experiencing a downturn affecting construction projects due to limited raw materials.[110] On 2 August, the International Labour Organization estimated that 115,000 Fijian workers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that sectors affected include tourism, retail and manufacturing.[111]

          Barter trades have become popular in the Facebook group called Barter for a better Fiji as Fijians opt for cashless trade movement.[112] U.S. broadcaster CBS postponed production of its reality shows Love Island and Survivor in Fiji, with Love Island later being relocated to Las Vegas for its second season and the forty-first season of Survivor being pushed to 2021.[109][107][113]

          On 10 October 2020, the International Labour Organization and the Asian Development Bank issued a report stating that the youth unemployment rate is set to increase as high as 18 percent.[114] A report issued by the Fiji Statistics Bureau shows that Fiji had 1,000 visitors in September 2020 compared to 81,354 visitors last September. It also reported that more than 500 Fijian residents left the country for short term employment.[115]

          Impact of COVID-19 on Government Revenue for the Year 2020[116]
          Particulars Change
          Private Loan Decrease51.4%
          VAT Decrease38.6%
          Bank Loan Decrease28%
          Investment in building & construction Decrease24%
          Review notes lending to the wholesale, retail, hotels & restaurants sector Decrease21%
          Investment in real estate Decrease21%

          Social

          On 5 February, FBC reported that a local Chinese had been berated publicly at a bus station by a man claiming the victim had COVID-19.[117] On 3 March, a 24-year-old man lied to a nurse and a doctor about having COVID-19 adding that he had returned from Japan in which he did not wear a face mask. He was remanded and investigated at which authorities learnt that he had no history of travel.[118] On 22 October, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment.[119]

          An opposition Fijian member of parliament Mitieli Bulanauca mentioned that COVID-19 has been spread by evil forces to assist China and they're responsible for the crisis we are in which is being assisted by satanic forces. Bulanauca also claimed that the World Health Organization (WHO) had sided with China over the poor handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Chinese Embassy in Fiji condemned claims made by Bulanauca saying that it is shocked and disappointed as Bulanauca's remarks are not factual and were taken from fake social media pages.[120]

          The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre received an increase number of domestic violence cases during the lockdowns with the national domestic violence helpline receiving over 500 calls in April 2020.[121] Also, the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation recorded more than 1000 assault cases against women.[122] The pandemic has also affected medicine supply for local cancer patients, health centers and hospitals.[123] The International Labour Organisation has also noted about the rise in child labour amidst the pandemic.[124]

          On 6 December 2020 when two sailors from a cargo ship tested positive for COVID-19, unverified claims on social media stated that there would be a lockdown in Suva specifically in the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.[125] The Ministry of Health has denied those claims however strict COVID-19 protocols were enforced at the Barracks as a "precautionary measure" to prevent any local transmissions.[126]

          Summary of cases

          • Case 01: 27-year-old male from Lautoka. Fiji Airways flight attendant returning from United States.
          • Case 02: 47-year-old female from Lautoka. Community transmission and mother of Case 1.
          • Case 03: 1-year-old male from Lautoka. Community transmission and nephew of Case 1.
          • Case 04: 28-year-old male from Nasinu returning from Australia.
          • Case 05: 30-year-old female from Lautoka. Community transmission and colleague of Case 1.
          • Case 06: 22-year-old female from Suva. Community transmission and daughter-in-law of Case 9.
          • Case 07: 33-year-old male from Suva. Community transmission and son of Case 9.
          • Case 08: 39-year-old female from Lautoka. Community transmission and sister of Case 5.
          • Case 09: 53-year-old male from Labasa returning from India.
          • Case 10: 20-year-old female from Nadi returning from New Zealand.
          • Case 11: 26-year-old female from Labasa. Community transmission and daughter of Case 9.
          • Case 12: 11-year-old female from Suva. Community transmission and granddaughter of Case 9.
          • Case 13: 21-year-old female from Lautoka. Community transmission and sister of Case 1.
          • Case 14: 53-year-old female from Labasa. Community transmission and wife of Case 9.
          • Case 15: 33-year-old male from Lautoka. Community transmission and husband of Case 5.
          • Case 16: 9-year-old female from Labasa. Community transmission and granddaughter of Case 9.
          • Case 17: 21-year-old male from Labasa. Community transmission and grandson of Case 9.
          • Case 18: 51-year-old female from Ba returning from United States.
          • Case 19: 66-year-old male from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India.
          • Case 20: 37-year-old male from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India.
          • Case 21: 36-year-old female from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India.
          • Case 22: 44-year-old male from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India.
          • Case 23: 38-year-old female from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India.
          • Case 24: 51-year-old male from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India. 
          • Case 25: 29-year-old female from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India.
          • Case 26: 47-year-old male from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India.
          • Case 27: 50-year-old female from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 8820 from India.
          • Case 28: 61-year-old male from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Air New Zealand repatriation flight NZ 952 from United States.
          • Case 29: 25-year-old female staff from the Border Quarantine Facility.
          • Case 30: 55-year-old male from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 7280 from India.
          • Case 31: 22-year-old male from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 7280 from India.
          • Case 32: 64-year-old female from the Border Quarantine Facility. Passenger of the Garuda Airlines repatriation flight GA 7280 from India.

          Source: Ministry of Health and Medical Services

          Statistics

          Cumulative Cases, Deaths and Recoveries
          (last updated 25 January 2021)

                              Cases        Recovered        Deaths        Active cases[d]  

          COVID-19 Clusters in Fiji
          Cluster Origin Confirmed Cases Deaths
          Lautoka Cluster United States 7 0
          Labasa-Suva Cluster India 8 0
          Nadi Cluster New Zealand 1 0
          Nasinu Cluster Australia 1 0
          Ba Cluster United States 1 0
          Flight GA 8820 Cluster India 9 1
          Flight NZ 952 Cluster United States 1 1
          Quarantine staff Cluster Border quarantine facility 1 0
          Flight GA 7280 Cluster India 3 0
          Total ‹The template Number format is being considered for deletion.› 55 ‹The template Number format is being considered for deletion.› 2
          COVID-19 Cases in Fiji by location
          Location Confirmed Cases Deaths
          Border Quarantine Facility 37 2
          Lautoka 7 0
          Labasa 5 0
          Suva 3 0
          Nasinu 1 0
          Nadi 1 0
          Ba 1 0
          Total ‹The template Number format is being considered for deletion.› 55 ‹The template Number format is being considered for deletion.› 2
          COVID-19 Cases in Fiji by age group
          Age Group Confirmed Cases Deaths
          0 to 9 2 0
          10 to 19 1 0
          20 to 29 14 0
          30 to 39 14 0
          40 to 49 7 0
          50 to 59 12 0
          60 and above 5 2
          Total ‹The template Number format is being considered for deletion.› 55 ‹The template Number format is being considered for deletion.› 2
          COVID-19 Cases in Fiji by gender
          Gender Confirmed Cases Deaths
          Female 25 0
          Male 30 2
          Total ‹The template Number format is being considered for deletion.› 55 ‹The template Number format is being considered for deletion.› 2

          Testing

          Testing began on 28 January 2020 where samples were sent to the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) in Melbourne, Australia. Local testing began on 11 March 2020 at the Fiji Center for Disease Control.[127]

          As of 25 January 2021, Fiji has conducted 25,014 tests with a positive rate of 0.2% and a total test per 1,000 population of 28.3.[128]

          See also

          Footnotes

          1. ^ 2 border cases recorded in week of 30 November-December 6 were crew of the international cargo vessel MV Island Chief, which had docked at the Lautoka and Suva ports after arriving from New Zealand, via Nukualofa, Tonga – none of the crew disembarked in Fiji. The 2 positive cases onboard were admitted to a hospital isolation facility.
          2. ^ The COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce is a cabinet-mandated working group consisting of the Permanent Secretaries for Economy (Chair), Health and Medical Services and Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport. The Secretariat support is provided by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Border Health Protection, Incident Management Team, and Republic of Fiji Military Forces Surveillance team
          3. ^ The OPR is the key interest rate used by the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) to officially indicate and communicate its monetary policy stance. A reduction in the OPR signifies an easing of monetary policy.
          4. ^ The number of active cases is the number of total confirmed minus the number of recoveries and deaths.

          References

          1. ^ N, Edwin; FBCNews. "Second COVID-19 death in Fiji". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 27 August 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
          2. ^ Elsevier. "Novel Coronavirus Information Center". Elsevier Connect. Archived from the original on 30 January 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
          3. ^ Reynolds, Matt (4 March 2020). "What is coronavirus and how close is it to becoming a pandemic?". Wired UK. ISSN 1357-0978. Archived from the original on 5 March 2020. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
          4. ^ a b "Crunching the numbers for coronavirus". Imperial News. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
          5. ^ "High consequence infectious diseases (HCID); Guidance and information about high consequence infectious diseases and their management in England". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.Government of Fiji toughened border security. Borders were closed to foreign nationals who have been in mainland China within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.[7] Measures to maintain a hygienic environment and screening ill passengers will continue to be taken in-flight to further minimise any risk.[8]

            On 27 February, Fiji extended its travel ban and announced that travellers from Italy, Iran and the South Korean cities of Daegu and Italy, Iran and the South Korean cities of Daegu and Cheongdo would be denied entry. From 28 February, all cruise ships entering Fiji have been required to make first berths at ports in Suva and Lautoka, where passengers undergo medical and travel history checks.[9]

            On 15 March, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama had announced that from 16 March cruise ships will be banned from berthing anywhere in Fiji and international events will not be allowed in Fiji. Government ministers and staff will be restricted from travelling overseas.[10]

            On 19 March, Fiji confirmed its first case, a 27 year old Fijian citizen and flight attendant of Fiji Airways. He had arrived from San Francisco returning via Nadi on 16 M

            On 19 March, Fiji confirmed its first case, a 27 year old Fijian citizen and flight attendant of Fiji Airways. He had arrived from San Francisco returning via Nadi on 16 March. On 17 March, he had travelled from Nadi to Auckland and a return from Auckland to Nadi on the same day. He was admitted to Lautoka Hospital. [11] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced a further extension of the ban to foreign nationals who had been present in the United States, as well as all of Europe including the United Kingdom. Also all travellers arriving in or returning to Fiji from outside of the country had to self-isolate for 14 days.[12] On 20 March, all schools and non-essential businesses in Lautoka had been closed at midnight, however banks, supermarkets, pharmacies and essential businesses remained open.[13][14] The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar in consultation with the Prime Minister announced that the national term one school holidays that were initially scheduled from 20 April to 1 May would be brought forward, to 23 March to 3 April.[15] Fiji Airways suspended all international flights until the end of May, with the exception of twice-weekly services between Singapore and Nadi.[16] The government established two fever clinics in Lautoka.[17]

            On 21 March, Fiji confirmed its second case and the first local transmission case through household contact. She is the mother of the first patient and was admitted in Nadi Hospital. Other family members remained in quarantine and being monitored.[18]

            On 23 March, Fiji confirmed its third case, a one-year-old nephew of the first patient.[19] The government established eight fever clinics around the country with six clinics running in Nasinu, Labasa, Savusavu, and Nabouwalu. Two others had been running in Lautoka since 20 March.[20]

            On 24 March, Fiji confirmed its fourth case, a 28-year-old Fijian citizen, who had returned from Sydney over the weekend and was not related to the first three cases. He and his immediate family members were in quarantine and being monitored at the Navua Hospital.[21] Fiji Airways had suspended all Singapore and Hong Kong flights after the two countries introduced border restrictions.[22]

            On 25 March, Fiji confirmed its fifth case, a 31-year-old female from Lautoka. She was in contact with the first case, the flight attendant.[23] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced that Nadi International Airport would shut down from 26 March and all local shipping services would cease from 29 March.[24]

            On 26 March, Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum revealed the COVID-19 response budget.[25]

            On 27 March, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. that would take effect on 30 March.[26]

            On 30 March, Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar announced that the school holidays would be extended for another two weeks until 17 April.[27]

            On 1 April, Minister for Health and Medical Services Ifereimi Waqainabete announced that the Lautoka lock down will be extended till 7 April to ensure that no COVID-19 cases left undetected.[28]

            On 2 April, Fiji confirmed two cases, a couple from Suva. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama stated that the sixth case is a 22-year-old woman and the seventh case is her 33-year-old husband. They are admitted at Navua Hospital. Due to this, the Prime Minister announced that Suva will be going into a lockdown effective

            On 2 April, Fiji confirmed two cases, a couple from Suva. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama stated that the sixth case is a 22-year-old woman and the seventh case is her 33-year-old husband. They are admitted at Navua Hospital. Due to this, the Prime Minister announced that Suva will be going into a lockdown effective from 3 April at 5 a.m. Also, the government renewed the national curfew where it will start from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.[29]

            On 4 April, Fiji confirmed five cases from Labasa, Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. Two cases was confirmed in Labasa, a 53-year-old Fijian citizen who is the ninth case, he is related to the sixth and seventh case and is admitted at Labasa Hospital. The ninth case had arrived from India via Singapore on 22 March. He had failed to isolate for 14 days, thus increasing the risk of community transmission in Fiji. It is believed that he contracted the disease while attending the Tablighi Jamaat in India. An eighth case was confirmed in Lautoka, a 39-year-old female from Natowaqa. She is admitted at Lautoka Hospital. A tenth case was confirmed in Nadi, a 20-year-old Fijian citizen from Nadovi with travel history to Auckland. An eleventh case was confirmed in Labasa, the 26-year-old daughter-in-law of the ninth case. A twelfth case was confirmed in Suva, a 11-year-old female who contracted the disease from her parents, the sixth and seventh cases. She is admitted at Navua Hospital.[30][31]

            On 6 April, Fiji confirmed two cases from Labasa and Lautoka. In Lautoka, the thirteen case of the sister of Fiji's first case was confirmed positive of the disease. She is also the mother of the third case a one-year-old boy who was also confirmed positive of the disease earlier. In Labasa, the fourteen case was the 53-year-old wife of the ninth case. She was taken into isolation two days before being diagnosed positive.[32]

            On 7 April, Fiji confirmed its fifteenth case, a 33-year-old man from Lautoka. This case is linked to the first case of the flight attendant. He is the husband of the fifth case.[33] Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho had confirmed that a police investigation would proceed for the 27-year-old flight attendant from Lautoka who was the first confirmed COVID-19 case and the ninth case a 53-year-old Labasa man for allegedly breaching the Public Health Regulations.[34]

            On 10 April, Fiji confirmed its sixteenth case, a 9-year-old female from Labasa. She is the granddaughter of the ninth case and is admitted in Labasa hospital.[35]

            On 16 April, Fiji confirmed its seventeenth case, a 21-year-old male from Labasa. He is the relative of the ninth case.[36] Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced that schools will remain closed till 15 June. He also announced the extension of the quarantine period to a full 28 days, both for anyone who is newly quarantined and to those who currently are waiting out their initial 14-day period.[37]

            On 20 April, Fiji confirmed its eighteenth case, a 51-year-old Fijian citizen who resides in Ba. She had arrived from the United States on 22 March.[38] Meanwhile, three people have recovered and had been discharged from hospital.[39]

            On 2 May, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed two additional recoveries with a 78% recovery rate.[40]

            On 8 May, Fiji Airways extended all flight suspension till the end of June due to the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.[41]

            On 15 May, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed one additional recovery. He added tha

            On 8 May, Fiji Airways extended all flight suspension till the end of June due to the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.[41]

            On 15 May, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed one additional recovery. He added that the curfew hours would still remain in place.[42]

            On 5 June, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed the recovery of all the three remaining active cases, entailing a 100% recovery rate.[43] The Ministry of Education extended the school break for another two weeks with the anticipated reopening date set on 30 June.[44]

            On 21 June, Fiji announced the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions as part of its efforts to restart the economy. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced new nationwide curfew hours from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. that came into effect on 22 June. Social gathering numbers, which also include gathering

            On 21 June, Fiji announced the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions as part of its efforts to restart the economy. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced new nationwide curfew hours from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. that came into effect on 22 June. Social gathering numbers, which also include gatherings at weddings, funerals, cafes, restaurants and worship, were increased from 20 to 100 people. Gyms, fitness centers, cinemas and swimming pools were re-opened on 22 June, however nightclubs remained closed. Schools were re-opened for year 12 and 13 students on 30 June, and universities could also re-open for face to face classes. The Prime Minister announced the Bula Bubble plan for some Pacific Island countries and also for the Australian and New Zealand tourism markets. The plan stipulated that travellers could either present a medical certificate from a recognized medical institution certifying their 14 days quarantine in their home country, along with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours upon arriving in Fiji, or complete 14 days quarantine in Fiji at their own cost, after which they could start their Bula Bubble.[45]

            On 30 June, Fiji quarantined 160 Fijian peacekeeping soldiers who had returned from Sinai in Egypt. The military had expressed concern that some of the troops may have been in contact with individuals who had tested positive for COVID-19.[46]

            On 1 July 112 Fijians had arrived in Nadi on a repatriation flight from India. The returning citizens had been transferred to a government funded quarantine facility. A Fijian citizen died on board the flight operated by Garuda Indonesia. He was tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding the flight from New Delhi, India.[47][48]

            On 6 July, Fiji confirmed its nineteenth COVID-19 case. A 66-year-old Fijian citizen who had returned from India. He was transferred at Nadi hospital to be quarantined.[49]

            On 7 July, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases. Patient

            On 6 July, Fiji confirmed its nineteenth COVID-19 case. A 66-year-old Fijian citizen who had returned from India. He was transferred at Nadi hospital to be quarantined.[49]

            On 7 July, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases. Patient twenty is a 37-year-old man who is the son of the nineteenth case a 66-year-old man. The other confirmed case is a 36-year-old woman, both cases had returned from India.[50]

            On 10 July, Fiji confirmed five COVID-19 cases. The five are a 44-year-old male, a 38-year-old female, a 51-year-old male, a 29-year-old female and a 47-year-old male. All five cases returned from India.[51]

            On 20 July, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case. A 50-year-old female who was repatriated from India.[52]

            On 31 July, Fiji recorded its first death from COVID-19. A 66-year-old man who was repatriated from India.[53]

            On 12 August, Fiji confirmed two additional COVID-19 recoveries in managed isolation.[54]

            On 13 August, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case. A 61-year-old male who had travelled from Sacramento, United States, transiting through Auckland and arriving in Nadi on flight NZ 952 on 6 August.Sacramento, United States, transiting through Auckland and arriving in Nadi on flight NZ 952 on 6 August.[55]

            On 22 August, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[56]

            On 25 August, Fiji confirmed a second COVID-19 death: the 61-year-old who arrived on 6 August.[57]

            On 1 September, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case. A 25-year-old female nurse who contracted the disease while treating patients in managed isolation.[58]

            On 2 September, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[59]

            On 4 September, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases. A 55-year-old and 22-year-old male who had arrived from New Delhi, India on 27 August.On 2 September, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[59]

            On 4 September, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases. A 55-year-old and 22-year-old male who had arrived from New Delhi, India on 27 August.[60]

            On 8 September, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case. A 64-year-old female who had arrived from India.[61]

            On 22 September, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[62]

            On 13 October, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirmed two COVID-19 recoveries.[63][64]

            On 21 October, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case.[65][66]

            On 27 October, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 recovery.On 21 October, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case.[65][66]

            On 27 October, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 recovery.[67]

            On 30 October, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case; a 57-year-old male who was repatriated from Nairobi, Kenya.[68]

            On 2 November, Fiji Rugby Union CEO, John O'Connor confirmed that three Fijians from the Flying Fijian team tested positive for COVID-19 in Limoges, France.[69][70][71] On 8 November, the Fiji Rugby Union announced that the three infected players tested negative.[72]

            On 11 November, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case; 53-year-old male who arrived on a repatriation flight from New Zealand.[73]

            On 14 November, the FRU confirmed four cases of COVID-19; they are among the Flying Fijian team in France.On 11 November, Fiji confirmed one COVID-19 case; 53-year-old male who arrived on a repatriation flight from New Zealand.[73]

            On 14 November, the FRU confirmed four cases of COVID-19; they are among the Flying Fijian team in France.[74]

            On 18 November, 29 members from the Flying Fijian team tested positive for COVID-19.[75]

            On 25 November, Fiji confirmed three COVID-19 cases. The first two cases are in their 40s and the third case is a 51 year old non citizen.[76] All three cases arrived on a repatriation flight from Auckland on 15 November.[77]

            On 30 November, Fiji confirmed four COVID-19 cases. They are a 28-year-old female and 58-year-old male who had travelled from Kenya, a 36-year-old male traveling from Mali, and a 53-year-old male traveling from France.[78]

            On 3 December, Fiji confirmed two new cases of COVID-19; they are a 75 year old and 57 year old both females who lived in Auckland, New Zealand. Though they had both tested negative prior to departing Auckland, they subsequently tested positive during the 12th day of their time in managed isolation in Fiji. The Fijian Health Ministries believes they contracted the virus from a positive case who was traveling on the same flight.[79][80]

            On 5 December, the Ministry of Health launched an investigation about a COVID-19 related risk at the Lautoka Hospital and disallowed visitors from entering.[81][82]

            On 5 December, the Ministry of Health launched an investigation about a COVID-19 related risk at the Lautoka Hospital and disallowed visitors from entering.[81][82]

            On 6 December, Fiji confirmed that two sailors aboard a cargo ship that entered the country on 2 December tested positive for COVID-19.[a][83] The sailors as well as border officials that had close contacts with them were quarantined.[84] However this cases were not counted as official border cases as the Ministry was awaiting information on whether these individuals have tested positive in another country.[85]

            On 8 December, Fiji confirmed two recoveries.[86]

            On 11 December, Fiji counted the two unofficial border cases from 6 December as part of its total tally of cases as New Zealand health authorities have confirmed that they had tested negative on 5 and 12 November while undergoing 14 days of quarantine in New Zealand.[87]

            On 17 December, Fiji confirmed two recoveries.[88]

            On 22 December, Fiji confirmed two recoveries entailing a 100% recovery rate.[89] The COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT)[b] announced that all inbound passenger flights to Fiji scheduled between 24 December and 28 December have been ceased.[90] This is in response of the discovery of a new variant of the novel coronavirus, Variant of Concern 202012/01 in the United Kingdom which appears to be more contagious than previous variants.[91] Thus, the Ministry of Health used that time to conduct an extensive review of its border quarantine processes.[92][93]

            On 29 December, Fiji confirmed three COVID-19 cases. They are a 32-year-old male and a 32-year-old female that arrived from New Delhi, India.[94] The third case is a 34-year-old female who travelled from England and arrived in Fiji from Hong Kong.[95][96]

            On 6 January, Fiji confirmed four COVID-19 cases. They are a 25-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman who arrived from New Delhi, India.[97] The third case is a 35-year-old man who travelled from the United Kingdom and arrived in Fiji from Auckland and the other case is a 55-year-old man who travelled from Mali and arrived from Auckland.[98] The Ministry of Health also added that there is another positive case however the case is considered historical since the 39-year-old man had already tested positive between October and December while travelling in France and the United Kingdom.[99]

            On 15 January, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases.[100] They are a 49-year-old female and 58-year-old female who arrived from New Zealand on 24 December 2020.[101]On 15 January, Fiji confirmed two COVID-19 cases.[100] They are a 49-year-old female and 58-year-old female who arrived from New Zealand on 24 December 2020.[101]

            The World Health Organization placed an epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and provided medical supplies of 888,500 surgical masks, 53,400 N95 masks, 29,200 face shields, 2,000 protective goggles, 4,000 isolation gowns and 26,750 GeneXpert testing cartridges.[102] The WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Takeshi Kasai praised Fiji's response saying "Going 200 days without reporting any locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 is a huge achievement."[103]

            The World Bank provided funding of US$7.4 million (FJ$16 million) to strengthen Fiji's health system. The Bank also provided additional medical supplies of Personal

            The World Bank provided funding of US$7.4 million (FJ$16 million) to strengthen Fiji's health system. The Bank also provided additional medical supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), intensive care units (ICU) and ventilators as well as installing medical incinerators that will serve three divisional hospital. Country Director for the World Bank in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands Michel Kerf praised Fiji's response saying "Fiji's swift, comprehensive response to the threat posed by COVID19 has been an achievement that has been deservedly recognized globally."[104]

            When Fiji confirmed its first case of COVID-19, there was a surge in panic shopping seen in supermarkets in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.[105] On 18 March, the Reserve Bank of Fiji reduced its overnight policy rate (OPR)[c] and predicted the domestic economy to fall into a recession after decades of economic growth.[106] GDP is expected to contract severely in 2020, with the economy predicted to contract by 21.7 per cent in the same year due to poor tourism activity.[107][108] Annual inflation remained in negative territory in May (-1.7%) and is forecast to edge up to 1.0 percent by year-end.[109]

            In April 2020, the Construction Industry Council reported that they are already experiencing a downturn affecting construction projects due to limited raw materials.[110] On 2 August, the International Labour Organization estimated that 115,000 Fijian workers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that sectors affected include tourism, retail and manufacturing.[111]

            Barter trades have become popular in the Facebook group called Barter for a better Fiji as Fijians opt for cashless trade movement.[110] On 2 August, the International Labour Organization estimated that 115,000 Fijian workers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that sectors affected include tourism, retail and manufacturing.[111]

            Barter trades have become popular in the Facebook group called Barter for a better Fiji as Fijians opt for cashless trade movement.[112] U.S. broadcaster CBS postponed production of its reality shows Love Island and Survivor in Fiji, with Love Island later being relocated to Las Vegas for its second season and the forty-first season of Survivor being pushed to 2021.[109][107][113]

            On 10 October 2020, the International Labour Organization and the Asian Development Bank issued a report stating that the youth unemployment rate is set to increase as high as 18 percent.[114] A report issued by the Fiji Statistics Bureau shows that Fiji had 1,000 visitors in September 2020 compared to 81,354 visitors last September. It also reported that more than 500 Fijian residents left the country for short term employment.[115]

            On 5 February, FBC reported that a local Chinese had been berated publicly at a bus station by a man claiming the victim had COVID-19.[117] On 3 March, a 24-year-old man lied to a nurse and a doctor about having COVID-19 adding that he had returned from Japan in which he did not wear a face mask. He was remanded and investigated at which authorities learnt that he had no history of travel.[118] On 22 October, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment.[119]

            An opposition Fijian member of parliament Mitieli Bulanauca mentioned that COVID-19 has been spread by evil forces to assist China and they're responsible for the crisis we are in which is being assisted by satanic forces. Bulanauca also claimed that the World Health Organization (WHO) had sided with China over the poor handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Chinese Embassy in Fiji condemned claims made by Bulanauca saying that it is shocked and disappointed as Bulanauca's remarks are not factual and were taken from fake social media pages.[120]

            The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre received an increase number of domestic violence cases during the lockdowns with the national domestic violence helpline receiving over 500 calls in April 2020.[121] Also, the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation recorded more than 1000 assault cases against women.[122] The pandemic has also affected medicine supply for local cancer patients, health centers and hospitals.[123] The International Labour Organisation has also noted about the rise in child labour amidst the pandemic.[124]

            On 6 December 2020 when two sailors from a cargo ship tested positive for COVID-19, unverified claims on social media stated that there would be a lockdown in Suva specifically in the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.[125] The Ministry of Health has denied those claims however strict COVID-19 protocols were enforced at the Barracks as a "precautionary measure" to prevent any local transmissions.[126]

            Summary of cases