STATEMENT

The imposing of the Health restrictions issued by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services about COVID-19 is for the safety of everyone and I am seriously concerned about people still not adhering to the Orders stipulated under the Public Health Act as the country seeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Order that was publicly announced restricts people from Social gathering and other COVID-19 related offenses however people failed to comply so am urging the Public to please follow the restrictions and refrain from unnecessary movement.

About Six-hundred and thirty-one cases were recorded from the 19th of April to date for not following the Health Restrictions in place as well as breaching Curfew Orders.

For breaching Health Restrictions, social gathering tops the list with three hundred and eighty cases, and of that number two hundred and eighty-eight cases are liquor related.

Consumption of Kava is second on the list with forty-eight cases, for swimming fifteen cases were recorded whilst ten people were arrested for loitering.

Eleven cases were filed for Church Service gathering, five people were arrested for playing billiard whilst three cases of gambling were recorded so far.

Apart from Social Gathering, wearing a mask is vital however eleven people were found not adhering to this whilst traveling in Public Service vehicles, and Breach of Containment Zones recorded forty-seven cases.

Four business operators were arrested for failing to comply with the Orders while a case of non-adherence to the 50% Public Service Vehicle capacity was filed.

One Hundred and eighty-eight cases were recorded so far for failing to comply with the Curfew Orders.

Looking at the number of people arrested for failing to comply with the Heath restrictions and Curfew orders, shows how people are taking advantage of the pandemic and not seriously concerned about their health as well as the health of their loved ones.

It is everyone’s commitment to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country , and of equal importance is adherence to the law (by all citizens) and remember instructions are not issued anyhow, it is issued with a purpose and it is vital for everyone to adhere not only for your betterment but for the nation as a whole.

Last and not least anyone failing to comply with the Restrictions and Orders in place will be taken to task so I am urging every Fijian to please comply and avoid putting yourself in a regrettable situation.

ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

Rusiate Tudravu.