Lack of adherence to COVID safe measures a concern: Dr Fong

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Ministry of Health and Medical Services permanent secretary, Dr. James Fong. Picture: FILE

The lack of adherence to COVID safe measures in gatherings throughout the country, especially the adherence to masking in indoor public spaces is a very serious concern for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

MoHMS Permanent Secretary, Dr Fong said after the Delta outbreak this year it is understandable that many will feel the urge to relax and celebrate now that case numbers are low, especially during the festive season.

He said many of us have let our guards slip.

“We are all human. But this must stop now if we hope to reduce the impact of the impending third wave of COVID-19 expected early in 2022,” Dr Fong said.

“I hope that we will all take this advice to heart and do what is right, but I have also requested all spotters from Health, Commerce, and Security Ministries to escalate the fining of individuals and corporate bodies where there is evidence of non-compliance with COVID safe measures,” he said.

“These spot fines must be seen as a means to promote COVID safe measures; as such, it is NOT the intention that every single transgression will be picked up and fined.

“All of us who live in Fiji need to understand that any large resurgence in cases is likely to undermine our social and economic recovery program, irrespective of whether it’s from the Delta variant or the entry of the Omicron variant.

“We now need to maintain our COVID guard and ensure we protect ourselves at all times.

“Our mantra for “Onwards Fiji” (Toso Viti) is to protect yourself to protect Fiji.”

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