Govt concerned by incorrect reports that Nawaka residents did not receive rations

The Fijian Government says they are troubled by incorrect social media reports that the residents of Nawaka, Nadi have not received groceries and essential items.

The residents of Nawaka came out with placards earlier today to protest and raised concerns that the food packs they receive from Government are not enough.

In a statement, the Government says it has been confirmed after an internal investigation that rations were successfully delivered to the community in line with a well-communicated delivery schedule on 2nd June, 3rd June and today.

They say in today's scheduled delivery to Nawaka, families with more than six members were provided two grocery and other essential item packs while those with 12 or more members were provided with three packs.

The Ministry of Economy has confirmed that the residents of Nawaka were among the 700 families in lockdown areas in Nadi to receive government-funded groceries and essential items.

They say 867 grocery and essential item packs were allocated for delivery to Nadi lockdown zones today.

A total of 1707 ration packs have been distributed to families in the Nadi lockdown zones so far.

Meanwhile the Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong says while they understand this is a stressful and anxious time for many, they ask that those under lockdown orders listen clearly to the advice from the Government and demonstrate strict adherence to the health protection measures until they have a firmer grip on this outbreak.

Dr Fong says they are concerned by the mass movement of people within the Nawaka area that brought many individuals needlessly into close contact with others.

He says today is day 14 of the Nawaka lockdown and an additional two cases of COVID-19 have been retrieved from the Nawaka area over the past two days.

Dr Fong says the Ministry of Health is planning to reduce the lockdown boundaries to more targeted areas that should allow for greater movement of some families in the community.

However he adds this decision may now need to be reviewed as close contacts of the latest cases may have been part of the protest event and could have spread the virus to other people in the locked down community.

The Permanent Secretary says the distribution of ration packs is conducted on the basis of need for communities under lockdown orders due to clusters of COVID-19 in the community.

He says the distribution of groceries and essential items will continue on its current distribution schedule to assist families under lockdown orders.

Dr Fong says they have confirmed with the Ministry of Economy that ration distributions for today was communicated to the community several days before the protest event was orchestrated.