91 families in North, assisted with food packs

In light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the Northern Division, food pack distribution to families, who are self-isolating has started.

This is part of the Ministry of Economy’s initiative to support families with basic food items that are expected to sustain them during their days in isolation.

Ninety-one households in the Northern Division would receive food packs.

Twenty-two families received their food packs on Friday while another 69 packs would be distributed to households in Taveuni on Saturday.

Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Economy, Shiri Krishna Gounder, said they were aware of families in the division who needed the assistance of food packs.

“We will continue to disburse food items upon advice received from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services on individuals who have isolated,” Mr Krishna said.

He said they were working closely with other stakeholders to also coordinate supply of household packs outsourced to the private sector.

The Northern Division has so far been assisted with 665 food packs.

Two hundred-and-eighty-seven (287) were distributed in the Nabouwalu lockdown area during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic and 214 packs were given to residents in the Namara Tiri lockdown area.

Another 42 packs were distributed to repats, quarantined at the Labasa College, Malau, Savusavu and Taveuni while 31 were provided to Mataniwai Village.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong, said the surge in COVID-19 cases in the Northern Division has led to them monitoring hospital admissions and the impact it will have on the societal disruption.