"The highly-infectious Delta Covid-19 variant, which is partly fuelling Melbourne's latest outbreak, is also wreaking havoc in nearby Fiji.

After initial success in containing the virus during the first year of the pandemic, the Pacific nation is now struggling amid a surge in cases, registering a record 83 on Sunday. There were a further 64 announced on Monday.

Fiji only recorded 70 cases before April this year. It has now recorded 751.

Complicating matters, three cases in the outbreak have been three employees at the nation's Covid-19 management team, sending the Ministry of Health into chaos last week.

Among the people forced to isolate was Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong, who is leading the Covid response."