Doing it properly

THE revelation that police officers have started issuing public health infringement notices this week is interesting. As our report on Page 7 today points out, Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said it would be issued to anyone who was found in breach of COVID-19 health and curfew restrictions.

“We urge all Fijians to comply as it will assist ongoing containment efforts,” he said.

On Sunday, he said, of the 18 people arrested for breaching health and curfew restrictions, three men were arrested on different occasions for failing to wear a mask in a public place along Milverton Rd, Raiwaqa, Omkar Rd in Narere and Qaranivalu in Kalabu.

Police would be out in numbers to ensure compliance as people go about their daily lives, he said.

Meanwhile, he also urged people to contact police if they noticed any breach of COVID-19 health restrictions in their areas.

“We are urging members of the public to report it by calling 971.”

This is well and good, however, in a perfect world, a lot of things would be different.

People would be better informed, and aware of what needs to be done without been told.

People would be taking ownership of the COVID-19 war, and would be making every effort to fight it. Fijians would be more responsible.

So let’s try to do that today.

Let’s start with masks.

Let’s appreciate why it is important that we wear it everytime we are out in public.

Let’s know the proper way to wear a mask.

It’s not designed to only cover your mouth. It’s not designed to be hanging on one ear, and it’s not designed to be worn below the chin.

A mask is supposed to cover our mouth and nose. So that’s how we are expected to wear them. Then there is the bit about ensuring you do not touch your face when out in public.

Do not touch your mouth or nose until you have washed your hands with soap and water or used a hand sanitiser.

It is important that we maintain good physical distancing every time we are out in public.

Unfortunately, there are still many people who do not have any appreciation at all of the need for physical distancing.

Our challenge is to understand why we must adhere to COVID-safety protocols, value the advice of experts, and actually put them into practice.

It’s for us all. It can protect us, our loved ones and the nation.