City sees rush for shot

RESIDENTS of Lautoka flocked in numbers to the Natabua High School yesterday to get their COVID-19 AstraZeneca jabs.

The turnout skyrocketed after the national announcement by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on strict measures that would be undertaken if Fijians in the workforce failed to take their double-dose jabs.

Some residents joined the line from as early as 8am to take their first jab while others were there for their final jab.

Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association president Narayan Reddy said it was encouraging to notice the huge turnout yesterday.

“That was really encouraging and I thank the residents for taking heed of the message by the PM to get vaccinated,” Mr Reddy said.

“The announcement by the PM will get more people to be vaccinated and this will help lessen the death rate, more people will be protected and we can progress further as a country.

“This is a good move by people to get vaccinated as we all want to be protected.”

Mr Reddy has also called on residents in the Sugar City who were still in doubt of getting the AstraZeneca jabs to make the right decision for their own safety and that of their families.

He said they should take the queue from the number of Fijians who have died of COVID-19 and were not vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the drive-through vaccination campaign which was piloted at Suva’s Albert Park this week is expected to begin in the Sugar City from next week.