Reopening our border
THE revelation that the Australian Government insists it needs to be confident that COVID-19 is suppressed in Australia before opening quarantine-free travel to Fiji is interesting. In a sense though, sceptics would think it was to be expected.
It’s probably a good thing too they might add, especially when we are COVID-contained right now.
In saying that though, there has to be consideration that delays in our border reopening means we stay in this current scenario longer.
That means our economy continues to take a battering. It means our financial woes continue.
Let’s face it. Thousands of people have lost their jobs. Thousands more have had their pay cut, and more have been forced to take reduced hours from work.
Thousands of households are struggling to make ends meet.
Many families are struggling to survive, and put food on the table.
It’s a nightmare for many people. According to Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes, his country was committed to exploring quarantine-free travel arrangements with Fiji but only when it was safe to do so.
While Australia recognised that reopening travel would be a huge boost to the Fijian economy, he said, it was also cognizant of the fact there were risks associated with allowing Australians into Fiji.
“Our overriding priority is to ensure we protect the health and safety of Fijians. Fiji has shown strong leadership, which has resulted in a COVID-contained country and we hope to keep it that way.”
That’s an interesting take. It makes sense when you consider safety and the wellbeing of Fijians.
It is encouraging to note that the Australians are holding regular discussions with Fijian officials about how to safely reopen travel.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya had pointed this out earlier as well.
He said Fiji’s vaccination program could assist in our borders reopening. A lot depended though, he insisted, on Fijians registering to be vaccinated.
“We’ve seen Australia and New Zealand just open up a bubble and we are still having our discussions with them.”
At least 630,000 Fijians need to be vaccinated, he said, to ensure the country was protected against the virus.
The World Health Organization, on its official website, stated vaccines save millions of lives each year.
It stated: ‘Vaccines work by training and preparing the body’s natural defences – the immune system – to recognise and fight off the viruses and bacteria they target. After vaccination, if the body is later exposed to those disease-causing germs, the body is immediately ready to destroy them, preventing illness.
‘There are several safe and effective vaccines that prevent people from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. This is one part of managing COVID-19, in addition to the main preventive measures of staying at least 1 metre away from others, covering a cough or sneeze in your elbow, frequently cleaning your hands, wearing a mask and avoiding poorly ventilated rooms or opening a window.’
There can be no doubts about the fact that a lot actually hinges on our border reopening.
It would mean a change in life, and the economy. However, there has to be some acceptance that the new norm is going to be part of our lives moving forward. There are tough decisions to be made.