Fiji’s 52 known active COVID-19 cases already have thousands of primary and secondary contacts, stretching contact tracers to the limit, says Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong.
While delivering an update on the COVID-19 outbreak last night, he said if the virus was not managed aggressively and with the support of everyone, it could claim thousands of Fijian lives.
“Right now, the pandemic in Fiji is only a spark,” he said.
“But if that spark isn’t quickly and aggressively extinguished, a tiny ember is all it takes to start a massive, uncontrollable wildfire that claims thousands of Fijian lives.
“That’s why we are taking such aggressive measures – our goal is elimination.
“We must dedicate everything we have into putting out this flame before it grows.”
Dr Fong said a key component in the fight against COVID-19 was the careFIJI mobile phone application.
“CareFiji eases that growing burden. Its technology does not depend on the limits of human labour.
“The app does not get tired. It does not take breaks. It works 24/7 to save your life, and the lives of your loved ones, by stopping the spread of the virus as quickly as possible.
“It does not drain your battery. It does not burn through your data.
“Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you.”
