Measured decisions being taken to ensure the best approach for Fiji – Dr Waqainabete

Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says they are making measured decisions to ensure that Fiji is ready to slowly relax the health restrictions however he also stresses that everyone should be mindful that COVID-19 is still around in different parts of the world.

Although questions are being raised on whether the curfew hours will remain the same and whether other services will open up, Doctor Waqainabete says we are in a privileged position and we did not arrive here by fluke.

He says the risk assessment group and other stakeholders continue to work around a measured approach, and this will continue.

Doctor Waqainabete says it is a new disease and we have to be absolutely careful and also take into account economic recovery for the country.

He says they also continue to assess nightclubs that want to open with a tavern licence.

The Health Minister says we have to make sure we live in the new normal, prevent ourselves from community transmission, have personal hand hygiene and download the careFiji app for contact tracing purposes.

He also says they continue to work hand in hand, monitoring businesses and tourism operators to ensure they are ready when the borders do open. The Health Minister also confirms that more than 5,000 Fijians have been repatriated to the country in a safe and efficient manner.

He says we are also going into our warmer months and into the cyclone season so we have to remain vigilant with COVID-19 and the cyclone season as 1 to 3 cyclones are expected to form in Fiji waters.