Fiji’s Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong is extremely concerned at the lack of adherence to COVID-safe measures in gatherings throughout the country, especially laxity in masking in indoor public spaces, and has since instructed COVID-safe spotters to escalate the fining of individuals and corporate bodies who do not comply.
“After the Delta outbreak this year it is understandable that many will feel the urge to relax and celebrate now that case numbers are low, especially during the festive season. And many of us have let our guards slip. We are all human. But this must stop now if we hope to reduce the impact of the impending third wave of COVID-19 expected early in 2022,” Dr Fong said.
He said the spot fines serve as a means to promote COVID-safe measures.
“All of us who live in Fiji need to understand that any large resurgence in cases is likely to undermine our social and economic recovery program, irrespective of whether it’s from the Delta variant or the entry of the Omicron variant. We now need to maintain our COVID guard and ensure we protect ourselves at all times. Our mantra for “Onwards Fiji” (Toso Viti) is to protect yourself to protect Fiji.”
