SUVA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Fiji has so far set up 32 fever clinics around the island nation to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
"As of Friday, March 27, a total of 32 fever clinics have been set up and are fully operational around the country, as Fiji ramps up its rapid response to COVID-19," the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services said in a statement on Saturday.
Establishment of such fever clinics is an integral part of the government's effort to contain the spread of the virus, the ministry said, adding that this is also done to ensure that the vulnerable members of the public are not exposed to the virus in regular hospitals or health centers.
The ministry encouraged Fijians to visit these clinics if they have a fever or develop any symptoms.
These clinics are operational from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. local time from Monday to Sunday, and are based at strategic locations that can be conveniently accessed by the public.
Currently, there are five confirmed COVID-19 cases in Fiji, but Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has warned that the grim reality is that in Fiji, the number of deaths for this many cases would likely be much, much higher.
To stop the spread of the deadly virus, Fiji has taken stricter measures including the lockdown of Lautoka, the second largest city of Fiji, the closure of the only international airport in Nadi and a nationwide curfew to be imposed from Monday night.
