The village of Yaqeta on Nacula, Yasawa is still mourning the death of Saimone Camaitoga, 51, who passed away in a tragic drowning incident last Thursday.

Village headman Apisai Raqele said they were truly saddened by the sudden loss of Mr Camaitoga who was an active member of the village.

“He had gone out fishing with a few other villagers and unfortunately he fell out of the boat,” he said.

“By the time one of the boys reached him, he was gone.” He said several attempts to revive Mr Camaitoga proved futile.

“His body was taken to Lautoka Hospital where they did a post-mortem examination.

“That’s how we found out that he had COVID.

“We didn’t expect that news.

“We don’t know how he got it.”

He said Mr Camaitoga was buried at the village last Saturday.

“I don’t believe he passed away because of the virus.

“But we know that we still have to be careful.

“We did the funeral according to the COVID restrictions.

“It’s a sad time for us and we are praying that we don’t have any more cases.”

Nacula district spokeswoman Lavenia Naivalu said the district was now on high alert after the announcement by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.