"Make the right choice"
It is evident that in order to protect the majority of Fijians from certain individuals who continue to make foolish decisions resulting in the spread of COVID-19, tougher measures need to be taken and Fijians should expect more arrests to be made.
The Fiji Police Force will be stepping up on the enforcement of the failure to comply with orders pertaining to health restrictions throughout the day and officers will be moving around to ensure people are wearing masks in a containment or lockdown zones, business operators are complying with restrictions, Public Service Vehicle operators are adhering to the 50?pacity guidelines and the clamping down of social gatherings.
The Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says this is being done to help protect those who are genuinely concerned about their health and well-being.
“It’s quite clear from the number of arrests for breaches of health restrictions that there’s misguided opposition to the preventative measures outlined by the Ministry of Health, and in order to protect those who are serious about protecting themselves, we need to take tougher action against those who are blatantly disregarding the measures”.
“We have to save others from the ill-advised actions of certain groups because they take measures such as the wearing of masks lightly or engage in social gatherings thinking only of themselves”.
The Acting Commissioner says the Fiji Police as part of the whole of Government approach is working with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in the conduct of the special COVID-19 operations.
Officers from the Policr Special Response Unit have been deployed to assist with the enforcement and those found breaching restrictions will be arrested and taken into custody.
“Fijians can expect an increased number of arrests as teams of officers will be deployed throughout the Divisions to ensure full compliance”.
“We are urging those who are against current efforts to reconsider their stance and understand that cooperation in adhering to the health measures is key to saving lives and moving forward”.
