More time needed, says Fong

Travel from containment to non-containment zones

THE Ministry of Health needs more time to carefully strategise its pre-departure protocols for those intending to travel from containment to non-containment zones.

Permanent secretary Dr James Fong said they had to do this after some people who registered to travel to maritime islands tested positive for COVID-19 when screened.

“We are working on enabling travel from containment to non-containment areas because we are aware that there are those stranded in containment zones like Suva,” he said.

Dr Fong said they were also aware of concerns from the public in maritime islands about those travelling from containment zones because of the risks they carried with them.

Meanwhile, people from maritime zones who are stuck in Suva say they need to return to their homes to look after their families.

Taveuni native Solomone Vulimaiwaqanui said many of those stranded in Suva were staying with families and friends and adding to their burdens.

“This is why we have to return to our homes. Many of us have been stranded since April and others have been here since March,” he said.

Vunivau, Labasa resident Mohammed Janif said the Ministry of Health needed to facilitate travel fast for those living in outer islands as their lives have come to a literal standstill.

“We have businesses and our family’s welfare to attend to back in our homes,” said Mr Janif.

“If they can facilitate for non-containment to containment zone travel then what about us, we need to live too.”