STATEMENT

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services in its efforts in countering the spread of the COVID-19 virus has issued orders whereby members of the public are required to wear a face covering (masks) in the proper manner.

Police officers will be stepping up on the enforcement on then mandatory wearing of masks in a public place within a containment zone or lockdown zone.

The Orders are as follows;

- Any person in a public place in a containment zone or lockdown zone must, except with reasonable excuse, wear a face covering in the proper manner.

- Any driver of a public service vehicle, or passenger in a public service vehicle must, except with reasonable excuse, wear a face covering in the proper manner.

- Any business in Fiji must, except with reasonable excuse, require its employees and customers to wear face coverings in the proper manner in order to enter the premises of the business.

These requirements however do not apply to;

- A child who is under the age of 5 years

- A police officer acting in the course of his or her duty, if performing such duty would be hindered by wearing a face covering; and

- An emergency responder acting in his or her capacity as an emergency responder, if acting in such capacity would be hindered by wearing a face covering.

- Any person who does not adhere to the orders will be liable to be charged for the offence of “Failure to Comply with Orders”

– Section 69(1) (c) of Public Health, 1935 and Regulations 2 of Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2020

- Any business operator who does not adhere to the order will be referred to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport.

Fijians have been very supportive of the measures announced by MoHMS and we are thankful of their support.

We are urging our resilient Fijians to continue adhering to the orders issued by MOHMS and support the efforts in containing the COVID–19 Virus from spreading further.