More restrictions will be lifted if we respect the rules

Lautoka residents must be relieved that the COVID-19 lockdown had been lifted. Their sacrifice and perseverance for the national interest has not gone unnoticed.

Although there was a small group of people who defied the rules to satisfy their own personal agendas, the majority supported the campaign to stop the spread of COVID-19 by following the rules.

These law-abiding citizens gave up what they used to enjoy like socialising and obeyed Government’s instructions about staying safe and keeping others safe also.

Based on the assessment from professional experts, Goverment has lifted the restrictions that placed Lautoka as a confined area.

Obviously, the threat has been downgraded and it is now safe to return to normal life.

However, certain rules will still be observed like washing of hands with soap and water and social and physical distancing.

These are preventive measures aimed at keeping the virus at bay.

As Lautoka reopens, businesses will spring back to life as travel restrictions are removed.

Because it’s the sugar industry hub and because of its proximity to jetset Nadi, the hub of tourism, it will play an important role in rebuilding the economy.

If we can contain the virus in the Suva lockdown, then we could be well on the way back to recovery. That will only happen if we all follow the rules.

It’s good to see the Opposition finally backing the Goverment in reminding the people to respect the lockdown and curfew.

That support should have come much earlier including the vote on the $1 billion COVID-19 Response Budget.

In times like this when the virus crosses political, religious, cultural, social and economic boundaries and affects us, we need to put aside our differences and work for the common good.

No one has died here of COVID-19. That’s a significant achievement so far.

Despite the breaching of the Lautoka border, there has not been a sharp rise in infections there.

That has happened because of the vigilance of frontline officers and the support of the majority of residents.

If we can replicate this in Suva and across the country, we could return to normality soon.