Let’s stay focused

WHEN the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday announced the latest measures now in place following a COVID-19 case in Nadi, it inched out memories of action taken last year at the height of the pandemic.

The PM has urged Fijians not to gather and travel unless it is essential.

His comments came in the wake of the announcement a soldier who had received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, tested positive for coronavirus in Nadi.

Any talk of relaxing curfew hours, the PM said, would now have to wait.

“Unfortunately, that will have to wait until we are certain this case does not pose a risk to the public. In fact, we should prepare for these measures to become more stringent if we find there has been transmission to the public,” said Mr Bainimarama.

In a statement to the media, permanent secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong said new health restrictions in line with the COVID-19 would be announced today based on the test results of the individuals who were in contact with the new case.

For now, the PM reiterated, do not gather and do not travel unless it is essential.

Large gatherings, he said, are not safe. Yesterday Mr Bainimarama urged Fijians to adhere to social distancing rules.

Yesterday’s announcement effectively brought back the realisation that the virus remains a major issue we must contend with daily.

It remains a concern, and there can be no relaxing of rules, even in the face of the vaccination campaign.

The reality is that the virus is powerful. It does not differentiate, and has the ability to cripple nations.

We are not immune to the negative impact of the virus, and must continue to be vigilant, and proactive.

So, as we did for most of last year, let’s adhere to social distancing rules.

Until the authorities can firmly confirm there is no community transmission, we have to stay focused.

So let’s wash our hands often. Do not touch your face when out in public. Sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue and dispose this thoughtfully safely afterwards. No hugs please, and let’s try to cut out handshakes.

We were able to stay COVID-contained for a very long time because we were willing to follow rules. We were willing to keep ourselves safe from the virus. We did the right thing.

Now more than ever, our country needs us all to unite in this fight to keep us all safe.

As the authorities do their work of contact tracing, we must play our part. For Fiji!