Ending the nightmare of Covid-19 means people must get vaccinated and make it their personal responsibility
The news media, both print and broadcast media, continues to bring us news of the affect of the deadly Cornavirus that has gripped the world since early 2000. The new strain of Coronavirus, the Delta variant, presents a much more serious challenge and is already present on several continents, including in India, and in countries such as Fiji, PNG and in a small pocket, so far, in New South Wales in Australia.
Writing a piece in today’s Solomon Times on Line, the contributor of the article, Vijay Naidu, a Law Professor at the USP in Fiji, has a message of vital importance to all Solomon Islanders in support of the constant advice from Prime Minister Sogavare on the emergence of the Delta variant and the urgency of getting vaccinated. The PM has repeatedly called for all citizens to be vaccinated to protect the nation from any possible community transmission in the country any time soon.
Mr Naidu’s article is in two parts, and I need quote only the first few sentences to emphasise the importance of his advice
Quote.
The extremely contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 is currently running amok in Fiji’s capital, Suva.
Virtually all suburbs are affected in the Suva-Nausori-Lami area with some obviously more seriously than others, and there is a trend of the disease spreading to other parts of Viti Levu. It may have reached Vanua Levu.
The Delta variant arrived in Fiji at Nadi International Airport carried by one of two travellers who came from India where this strain of the virus was at its devastating peak. Unfortunately, laxity and indiscipline by one or two frontline persons resulted in the spread of the virus in the west.
A significant but less direct contributor to the spread of the virus has been the influence of anti-vaxxers who have used social media to share fake news and conspiracy theories and generate fear and distrust among people who rely on social media for information and news.
End of quote.
Meanwhile Fiji has recorded 1054 new cases of Covid-19 in the 24 hours to 8am yesterday.
That compares to 784 cases and 15 deaths in the previous 24-hour period.
The government also confirmed 12 more deaths between 13 and 19 July, taking the death toll to 125 with 123 of these from the latest outbreak that began in April.
Health Secretary James Fong said seven of the 12 victims had died at home, with one patient receiving one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The rest were unvaccinated.
There are now nearly 15,000 active cases in isolation.
Across in Australia, NSW recorded 110 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday.
A total of 43 people were infectious while in the community.
Nearly 84,000 people were tested in the past 24 hours, which is the highest number of tests NSW has ever recorded in one day.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the high number of cases was a reflection of the high number of tests.
Meanwhile, Victoria recorded 22 new local Covid-19 cases as the Australian state began its second week of lockdown.
As of Tuesday night, there were three people in hospital with Covid-19 in Victoria.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
