1. Home
  2. \
  3. News
  4. \
  5. Blog
  6. \
  7. Fiji in lockdown after first community-based transmission of COVID-19 in twelve months

23 APR 21

Fiji in lockdown after first community-based transmission of COVID-19 in twelve months

Share this Blog:

Story 1 Fiji

Fiji’s two largest cities are in lockdown after the first reported case of COVID-19 community transmission in 12 months. Health authorities have linked the case to a 53-year-old woman from Nadi who was in contact with a soldier in the country’s hotel quarantine system. Five more cases have since been detected.  

Residents of Nadi and Lautoka went into lockdown early on Monday morning, and Fijians across the country have been advised to stay at home.  

This potential second outbreak of COVID-19 comes at a challenging time for Fiji, as the country continues to rebuild and recover from the devastating tropical cyclones, Yasa and Ana. Many Fijians are also facing financial challenges, due to the travel restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic. Tourism typically contributes to at least 40 per cent of Fiji’s GDP and locals are struggling to make up the lost income.  

“This community transmission is really worrying, because the healthcare system in Fiji already faces significant challenges reaching people in remote areas,” said Damaris PfendtCaritas Australia’s Humanitarian Program Coordinator for the Pacific 

“Some people have little to no access to basic health services without travelling for several hours, and now that travel is discouraged, these communities will have even more trouble accessing healthcare, which puts them at greater risk of complications from COVID-19 or other diseases.” 

“A lot of the communities we work with are also still rebuilding and recovering from the last cyclone season. Recovering from a cyclone isn’t as simple as rebuilding destroyed houses, but a lengthy process that involves rebuilding key infrastructure that has been lost, and in many cases developing new ways to make money after crops have been destroyed.” 

Caritas Australia is supporting Caritas Fiji to help communities in Fiji to rebuild from disaster and prepare for future crises. Caritas Australia is accepting donations to help support vulnerable communities in the Pacific through the Pacific Emergency Appeal. 

Related Articles

2024 Earthquake In Morocco Distribution Of Food Paniers 02

September 8, 2025, marks two years since the powerful Morocco earthquake struck the High Atlas Mountains on the border of the Al Haouz region.

Read More
A Family Receives Humnaitarian Support In Gaza Photo Credit Caritas Jerusalem

Caritas Australia supporters have called on the Australian Government to stop Israel’s new NGO registration scheme. We are delivering the pledge this week, urging greater access to aid in Gaza. 

Read More
Pronaliwftw26 18

Caritas Australia’s Women for the World campaign is a celebration of women everywhere. It honours their achievements, their resilience, and their leadership. But it is also a call to action. By standing with women and girls, we can help build a future where every woman has the chance to thrive.

Read More
L R Kirsten Sayers, Dr Anne Aly, Cardinal Mykola Bychok, Matthew Maury, Samir Bennegadi Photo Credit ACFID

Kirsten Sayers, CEO, Caritas Australia writes on the increased danger to humanitarians at a time when they are needed more than ever

Read More

What can we help you with?

Speak with us

Call our Supporter Services team for assistance. Our lines are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST.

1800 024 413

Contact Caritas Australia

Send us an enquiry and we’ll be in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

Contact Us

See our FAQs

Visit our FAQ page to learn more about the work of Caritas Australia and find answers to our most frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Donate now to provide support where it's most needed today

Donate Now