COVID-19 RELEASE (18)

13th April 

One hundred and thirteen (113) arrests were made yesterday, which includes a case of an alleged breach of self-quarantine.

Breach of Social gathering arrests accounted for eighty-eight (88) cases while twenty-four (24) cases were for curfew breaches.

The Western Division recorded the highest number of social gathering breaches with forty-four (44) reports, whereas the South and Eastern Divisions both recorded twenty-two (22) cases.

The West also recorded the highest number of curfew breaches with twelve (12) arrests, nine (9) in the South and three (3) in the Eastern Division.

The case of the self-quarantine breach has been dealt with and the accused who is an overseas-based rugby player has been charged and will be produced in court today.

A worrying trend has been noted for the Western Division since the lifting of lockdown restrictions, with the high number of social gathering and curfew breach arrests made in recent days.

The level of complacency is worrying and we must reiterate the importance of practising all necessary precautionary measures as advised by the Ministry of Health whether you are in a lockdown area or not.

Fijians cannot afford to be complacent as we are not out of the woods yet.

Today is a public holiday and while there will be an urge to meet up with families and friends or even go out for a picnic, be reminded that the social gathering restrictions remain and this will also apply for picnic areas.

Don't let your guard down and continue to treat every person as a possible COVID-19 carrier.

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE 

Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho