6 families refused to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms

Six families have already refused to be screened since community screening for symptoms of COVID-19 in the greater Suva area started this week.

Health Minister Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says they were told in their briefing that 6,000 Fijians in the greater Suva area have already been screened.

Dr. Waqainabete says this has been done extensively in the Lautoka lockdown area where nearly 60,000 Fijians have been visited and have had their temperatures checked and their travel history taken in their own homes.

He says it is slightly disappointing to hear that there have been six families that have refused the Ministry of Health personnel to enter, take their temperature and talk to them as part of the screening program.

The Health Minister adds their personnel have gone again yesterday to talk to them because they must screen as much as they can.

Waqainabete says people also have to mindful of the fact that under the Public Health Act there are powers and regulations given to the Permanent Secretary and Minister for Health to make sure that they protect the health of all Fijians.