Breach of COVID-19 restrictions

Thirty-four of the fifty-three arrests recorded over the last 24hours for breach of health and curfew restrictions were directly linked to the consumption of alcohol.  

Furthermore, ten of the arrests were linked to grog/yaqona while three people were arrested for failure to wear a mask in a public place within a containment zone.  

Only three divisions recorded arrests with the Western Division recording 26 cases, the Southern Division 13 while the Eastern Division recorded 14.  

In the Western Division, of the 26 reports, 12 were linked to the consumption of alcohol as people were either arrested for breach of social gathering restrictions involved in a drinking party or they were found loitering in a public place heavily intoxicated during curfew hours in Sigatoka, Nadi and Lautoka.  

One report recorded in Namaka involved a 17year old juvenile who was drinking with three others in Votalevu.  

In Ba, ten men were arrested for breaching social gathering restrictions as they were drinking yaqona in Itatoka, Ba.  

In the Southern Division of the 13 reports, 11 were linked to the consumption of alcohol.   

Three people were arrested in Daya Street, Vatuwaqa, five were arrested drinking liquor at Veiraisi Settlement while three men were arrested from Kali Place, Tacirua.  

In the Eastern Division, of the 14 reports recorded, 11 were linked to the consumption of alcohol and breach of social gathering.  

Six men were arrested as they were found drinking liquor at the back of a hardware shop in Nakasi while three men were arrested at Koroibici Settlement, Koronivia.  

Three men were arrested and charged for failing to comply with orders as they were seen walking along JP Maharaj Street in Nakasi without wearing masks.

It is upsetting to see the high number of reports for breach of social gatherings despite the repeated requests and warnings of its dangers.

Those who continue to disregard the advisories and warnings are being selfish because they are risking the lives of their loved ones over a few hours of fun that only they stand to benefit from.

We should never forget that those hours of fun could ultimately turn into days and weeks of suffering, pain or even worse the loss of a life.

Before engaging in any social gathering, ask your self, is it really worth the risk?  

Rusiate Tudravu

ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE