Despite repeated warnings there’s an obvious segment of our community that refuses to embrace safety protocols
What do we do with those who defy safety protocols at the expense of fellow Fijians?
They must be held accountable for not only risking their lives but the lives of their loved ones and others, as well.
It is clear that there is a segment of our community that ignores repeated warnings to follow restrictions and protocols.
The latest breach was at Rifle Range in Lautoka where a birthday party was held. A cluster of new positive cases started from that party. Up to 14 people in that cluster came from different locations in the sugar city.
They blatantly disregarded the safety protocols like staying in their family bubbles, no social gathering or party, no going out from home unless it is for an essential purpose and keeping physical distancing of two metres.
When we flout these rules we are stepping into danger and playing right into the hands of the killer virus - the highly contagious and deadly Delta variant.
This kind of reckless and irresponsible behaviour threatens the lives of the 14’s families and others. That’s the serious implication.
If they cannot understand that they are either suffering from social amnesia or they have a dark and ulterior motive that defies all logic and common sense.
This is the sole reason why our positive cases are steadily climbing. It will spiral out of control if we continue with the current trend.
Let’s listen and obey our health experts and leaders. They have spoken out, pleading with us to co-operate and comply with the safety measures.
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong has warned that severe cases will rise and could lead to death with the increase in positive cases.
The Rifle Range incident means the entire community must now go under strict containment protocols.
The perpetrators and others thinking of socialising need to understand that when they commit a breach , they will put extra pressure on doctors, nurses and health teams. The health staff are already under extreme pressure, working longer shifts, seven days a week, with little rest, to attend to the sick and infected. Let’s be unselfish and think about them.
Dr Fong has made a special appeal: “when someone in attendance at an illegal gathering inevitably gets sick and ends up in the hospital, it is the duty of our doctors and nurses to treat them, and we will.
“But that preventable case of COVID-19 strains our healthcare system, making it more difficult for others to be treated. So on behalf of those who are most at risk and our team working on the front lines, please follow our instructions. If you miss your family, pick up the phone and call your loved ones; any birthday parties can wait until next year. “
So the important message is no parties please. The Government should hold to account all those who defy the order as a deterrent.