STATEMENT

People must change their attitude and take health measures and restrictions seriously or we will be in the current situation for much longer.

The latest revelation by the Permanent Secretary of Health that some of those recently confirmed positive for the virus did not observe proper measures to prevent the spread of COVID, is a real concern.

Despite several requests by Health and senior Government officials for Fijians to adhere to precautionary measures, the increasing number of confirmed cases and number of Fijians arrested for breaching restrictions clearly shows that many are still refusing to acknowledge the difficult situation we are in as a nation.

It is upsetting, because the selfish acts of a few are impacting national efforts, and I am again requesting all Fijians to bear and comply with the measures announced.

We will continue to arrest those breaching restrictions including Police officers as we are serious when we ask for total commitment, and I therefore expect Police to be taking the lead role.

As confirmed cases continue to rise, I reiterate the need to be SAFER THAN SORRY.

People need to ask themselves if a drinking party or grog session with people from outside their bubble is really worth prolonging the current situation that we are in.

A short period of inconvenience in not being able to enjoy some social activities with friends and loved ones will surely be beneficial to ongoing efforts in the long run.

As your Acting Commissioner of Police, all I am asking on behalf of all men and women officers, is to sacrifice those few hours and be patient until we have beaten this virus.

The success of the whole of Government efforts is largely dependent on everyone's cooperation.

I am pleading with all Fijians young and old to adhere to the advisories and restrictions so we can help the Ministry of Health contain and beat this virus rather than focusing on what could and should have been done.

We are a nation that has rallied together in the most difficult of times and have overcome many adversaries and beating this virus will be no different if everyone is willing to help by playing their part.

Rusiate Tudravu

ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE