In response to the global spread of the virus and advice from the WHO, the Fijian Government has heightened its level of preparedness in anticipation of an outbreak.

Currently there is sixteen confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fiji (as of 10th April 2020). All the sixteen cases have been contained and necessary precautions to prevent further outbreak are being taken.

As the cases of corona virus is increasing in Fiji the individuals need to be more updated with the risks and preventative measures. Therefore, Messenger of Peace team together with Fiji Council of Social Services and Fiji Red Cross Society reached out to the outmost area of Ba creating awareness on Covid-19. More than 500 households were covered and people were informed on steps of washing hands, proper way of handling food, the impact of the pandemic, when and how to use masks and the importance of staying home.

The volunteers reached out to the furthest; crossing creeks, walking more than 4 to 5 kilometers and helping the most vulnerable, the elderly and disabled.  Upon visiting we found out that most of the interior villages don’t know how to wash hands properly and also very less information on covid-19.

As more people are being infected from this deadly disease, there is an urgent need to help elderly and disabled people as most of the time these are the ones left behind.