Fijians alert
Families taking precautions in US
FIJIANS living in the United States have joined millions of Americans in protecting their families against the deadly COVID-19 virus.
US President Donald Trump yesterday declared a state of national emergency across all American states to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among these Fijians is Sajal Narayan, a businessman operating a second-hand car dealer business in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Mr Narayan said his family was taking precautions and following advice issued by authorities.
“We have a few confirmed cases in Virginia; one not too far from us, about one hour away,” Mr Narayan said. The COVID-19 pandemic has spread to 46 states with at least 1920 cases and 41 deaths recorded in the US.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday announced that all cruise ships were banned from visiting New Zealand until at least June 30 and all travellers would have to selfisolate on their arrival to NZ, excluding those coming from the Pacific Islands, including Fiji.
FIJIANS living in the United States have started stocking up on supplies and taking extra precautionary measures after a state of national emergency was declared across the country yesterday to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Fijian man living in California, who spoke to this newspaper on the condition of anonymity, said they had been continuously advised to wash their hands and practise good hygiene.
“To tell you the truth, everything is still normal as we speak, however, people are panicking,” he said from his US home yesterday.
“We have stocked up on a month’s worth of necessities.
“People have been encouraged to wash their hands regularly now.”
He said all schools and universities had been closed and they had also been advised to refrain from attending mass gatherings.
“All courses have now gone online for college students.
“They’ve banned everything like the NBA and all other sports. Mass gatherings of any sort is prohibited.”
Another Fijian, Sajal Narayan, who lives and operates a car dealership in Lynchburg, Virginia, said supermarket shelves had been emptied as Americans rushed to stock up on supplies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread to 46 states with at least 1920 cases and 41 deaths recorded in the US.
“We have a few confirmed cases in Virginia; one not too far from us, about one hour away,” Mr Narayan said.
“Virginia is under a state of emergency, schools have been closed for two weeks.
“Auctions have closed and businesses are taking precautions.
“We own stores so we don’t really need to stock up at home, but supermarket shelves are empty.”
Mr Narayan said his family was taking precautions and following advice issued by authorities.
“We are taking precautions such as avoiding public interactions, washing hands more, no hand shakes and no travels.
“Most of my meetings have also been cancelled as mass gatherings are now not allowed.
“I’ve just been sanitising my workplace two to three times a day now.”
The worldwide death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic has surged past 5000, while more than 138,000 people have tested positive for the deadly virus.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday announced that all cruise ships were banned from entering New Zealand until at least June 30 and all travellers will have to self-isolate on their arrival to NZ, excluding those coming from the Pacific Islands, including Fiji.