COVID-19: Over 330 tests done with no new cases confirmed - PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says over 330 tests for COVID-19 have been done and there have been no new cases.

Bainimarama says these tests include the 300 passengers who flew on the same flights as the first patient.

He says they have been successful in identifying and isolating or quarantining the passengers and their closest contacts.

As of today, there are zero new cases of #COVID19 in Fiji. To keep it that way, we can afford zero room for complacency.

If words alone aren’t enough to convince you, rule-breakers can now be punished by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) March 29, 2020

Bainimarama says all of those passengers who are in Fiji have been directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

He says the Health Ministry is monitoring people who are on self-isolation.

The Prime Minister says we cannot and will not rest.

He says that our lockdown measures and travel restrictions have not been easy for everyone, but it is clear these were the right measures taken at the right time to lock down this virus.

Bainimarama says through the intensive work of contact tracing teams, doctors, nurses, health inspectors, police officers, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel, and the support staff from across government, they have done extremely well surveilling for testing and containing new cases.

He says every person in Fiji should act and think the next person is a carrier.

📢🔊REMEMBER;

Anyone in Fiji who violates the COVID-19 measures put in place by the Fijian Government can be jailed up to five years or pay a fine of $10,000💰 OR both.

SO, think twice before breaking such measures‼#TogetherWeCan #COVID19Fiji #COVID19 #TeamFiji

— Office of the Prime Minister (@fiji_opm) March 29, 2020

Bainimarama says this is a crisis, lives are on the line and the economy is on the line.

He has stressed that people need to keep their distance and the elderly and children have to be at home.

The law now states that people breaching the health regulations can face 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.

The Prime Minister stresses that people have to follow the directions to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Bainimarama says this is a war we cannot afford to lose.

He is calling on people who feel sick to visit the fever clinic or the doctor.

Bainimarama also stresses that people should not breach self-quarantine directives.

Lautoka Lockdown to be reviewed in the next 5 days.

The Prime Minister also says the decision on whether to lift the lockdown in Lautoka will be made in the next 5 days.

Bainimarama says they will either lift restrictions or have to extend them.

He says if even one fails to follow the rules and this virus spreads within Lautoka, all of you will stay on lockdown even longer.

Bainimarama says those currently in the Lautoka confined zone, need to ensure the rules are followed and encourage each other in their community, and everyone they see to do the same.

He says that they need to pull up their socks, keep to the rules and get their city through this together.

Bainimarama says this will depend on how people follow the directions.

Nationwide Curfew

The Prime Minister has also revealed that 100 permanent checkpoints will be set up around the country from tonight when the nationwide curfew comes into effect from 10pm to 5am.

Bainimarama says there should be no wandering the streets unless you are working or have an emergency. People not following this will face serious consequences.

The Prime Minister also confirms that every existing work permit will be extended for 3 months due to current restrictions.

He says the Permanent Secretary for Immigration will provide further details.

Bainimarama also confirms that inter islands flights will cease to the outer islands from 6pm today except for freight flights.

From tomorrow a call centre for COVID-19 will be set up for anything in relation to the virus.

For now you can call the following Health Ministry numbers :

In the Central Division call 2219905;

In the Eastern Division call 2219906;

In the Western Division call 2219907; and

In the Northern, Division call 2219908