Masking is only mandatory for indoor public areas, public transport and crowded public settings – Dr Fong

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says people do not need to wear a mask on the road if they are keeping a safe distance from others however masking is mandatory for indoor public areas, public transport and crowded public settings.

Doctor Fong says for Fijians to ensure a third wave of COVID is not a major surge in severe cases, COVID-19 safe behaviour is still required to keep the vulnerable safe in our community.

The Permanent Secretary also says they have plans to ensure booster COVID-19 doses are given to those over 60 years old, those with comorbidities under 60 years old and the frontliners.

Doctor Fong says they will continue to focus on the mop up exercise to get the eligible people vaccinated and then focus on the booster shots.

Doctor Fong has also thanked the hardworking frontliners for putting their bodies and souls on the line in order to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

He says we have had a whole of government response, and also thanked the civil society and the private sector for their contributions during the second wave of COVID-19.

Doctor Fong says while they are lifting restrictions progressively, COVID-19 will still be around.

He says based on all the information, when a vaccinated person gets infected, their protection and their chances of recovery is better.

Doctor Fong says the people have sacrificed and suffered a lot during the second wave of COVID-19, and we need to continue to have COVID safe behaviour for the public, workplaces and schools.

He says many people have died, they had to build extra mortuaries, and there is no doubt in their minds that a lot of suffering happened from COVID-19.

Doctor Fong urges everyone to follow the safe measures as requested by the Ministry of Health.