FIJIANS studying in China will be evacuated if the coronavirus issue escalates, says permanent secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office Yogesh Karan.
He also confirmed Government continued to receive messages from concerned parents and family members.
“It’s quite risky in that area, so our advisory to students is just stay put and not to travel at all,” Mr Karan said.
“We are getting a lot of text messages from people who are concerned about their loved ones in China and we have reassured them that they are safe.
“We are monitoring the situation very closely in regards to our students.
“I am awaiting further brief from our high commissioner — he gives me a daily brief — I will see what else I can get from him.
“If there is any escalated need then we might have to evacuate.”
In response to concerns raised about access to safe food supply, Mr Karan said students had been advised to stay away from food sold at markets.
“It is a bit diffcult to advise them what to eat and what not to eat.
“The best thing would be for them to keep away from any fresh food sold at meat markets.
“Being students, sometimes they go for the cheapest source for food instead of the safest and they have been advised against doing that.
“Our ambassador is very mindful of this and is keeping a close eye on the situation,” said Mr Karan.
