There are early data to suggest that people who have previously had COVID-19 could become re-infected more easily with the Omicron COVID-19 variant compared to other variants of concern, says Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
And while information for this is limited, ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong has advised that more information on this will become available in the coming days and weeks.
However, Dr Fong warns that this new variant is a reminder that for as long as there is a pandemic, Fiji will continue to face a threat from the virus and its variants.
And if transmissible enough, he said stringent border and community measures would only delay the inevitable entry and spread of current and future variants of the COVID 19 virus.
“Fiji citizens will only be safe if we remain COVID-safe with 2m physical distancing; mask wisely by carrying a mask when you out of your home and wear the mask properly in public indoor spaces, public service vehicles, and outdoor crowded spaces; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, and get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” Dr Fong said.
