Dear all,
As Fiji enters the cool and dry season, there is an increasing trend of respiratory infections being recorded by hospitals.
Respiratory viruses such as cold/flu that normally circulate are reemerging similar to pre-COVID levels, with the possibility of higher levels, due to a decrease in population immunity to seasonal viruses during the last two years.
Test positivity for COVID-19 is different for the three medical divisions, with the Western Division testing highest at close to 17%, Northern Division at 11% and 7% in the Central Division, as at the end of June, 2022.
The spread of these viruses will increase with the lifting of Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) restrictions intended to prevent transmission of COVID-19 (including mandatory masking, physical distancing, and school and border closures).
To this end, the Fiji National University (FNU), in close consultation with the relevant government agencies and the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC), would like to remind students and staff to remain vigilant and actively adhere to COVID-safe measures at all times.
As a precautionary measure, the University will reintroduce more stringent COVID safe measures for the protection of students and staff from Tuesday, 05 July 2022.
The University will implement the following at all campuses including boarding facilities:
• We strongly encourage masking/face covering while on campus. The Ministry of Health has made masking compulsory within health facilties, for staff and students on attachment, given the rising numbers of reported COVID Positive cases. By wearing masks now, we may avoid the need for more stringent requirements in the weeks to come.
• We strongly advise that COVID safe measures are actively followed.
• Anyone who is sick should not be attending work or university. If you have COVID-19 symptoms you must get tested for COVID-19. If you test positive – isolation is mandatory for 7 days.
• Fully vaccinated persons must produce one’s vaccination card or a copy with a valid photo ID upon request by FNU-approved security officers.
• Staff and students are encouraged to use sanitizers that are strategically located within their respective campuses.
Wash hands with soap and water for up to 20 seconds regularly.
The University is strongly encouraging everyone to get their second booster shots at the designated medical centres.
Note: Vaccines have provided a level of protection from severe disease and death. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services envision that the more the booster dose is taken up, the better the level of protection, and the safer it will be to remove the remaining public health measures further.
Hostel students at Natabua Residential Hall and McGregor House
The University would like to assure all stakeholders that Hostel Supervisors, Housekeepers and Kitchen Staff are still stationed at both these Campuses and are working diligently to keep the cafeteria running so that students can have access to food and water.
The University is also well-stocked with soaps, disinfectants and other hygiene materials in these residential halls. In the event of an emergency, please be rest assured that the University has enough food stock to feed the students staying in these residential facilities.
If a student is facing any difficulty, they may contact the Head of Campus Natabua, Perry Gabriel at email address hcl-ltka@fnu.ac.fj or mobile: 2847565 / 7396019.
All residential students are reminded to liaise with Hostel supervisors for any assistance or during any emergency. You may contact the Manager Accommodation Amit Kumar on mobile: 9920736 or email: accommodationenquiries@fnu.ac.fj or Manager OHS Kanito Lolobalavu on mobile: 9986505 or email: MOHSE@fnu.ac.fj
Please continue to practice good hygiene and take all necessary precautions to maintain good health and wellness.
I urge everyone to follow the official health advice and adhere to all government guidance to combat the spread of COVID-19. If you are experiencing symptoms like a dry cough, fever, fatigue/tiredness, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath/chest pain, or aches and pains, please immediately visit the medical facility nearest to you.
Students and staff are advised to follow the FNU website, and official FNU social media pages and check their emails for ongoing advisories regarding University operations. Please refer to the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/fnuofficial
https://www.instagram.com/fijinationaluniversity/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/fiji-national-university
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Above all, please be kind and understanding to your fellow students and staff during this difficult period. Together, as one community, we will come through these challenges.
Stay safe and best wishes.
Dr William May
Acting Vice-Chancellor