672 personnel from the Fiji Police Force have contracted COVID-19 since April this year - Seruiratu

672 personnel from the Fiji Police Force have contracted COVID-19 since the outbreak of the Delta variant in April this year.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu when questioned by FijiFirst MP Sanjay Kirpal on the measures taken by the Fiji Police Force to maintain its routine operations whilst handling COVID-19.

Seruiratu says a total of 544 personnel have recovered and 128 personnel are currently under home isolation.

He says they are in an exposed environment and due to extra responsibilities, the Force has had to relook at the way they do things and there is a need for them to work smarter.

The NFP President Pio Tikoduadua then questioned Seruiratu on why the restrictions are still there as a COVID containment strategy.

Seruiratu says any discussions on containment areas will depend on the Ministry of Health’s plans.

Seruiratu was also questioned by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture Viam Pillay to inform parliament on how the operations of the RFMF has been affected by COVID-19.

He says one of the challenges that the RFMF is facing with regards to its regular activities is creating bubbles apart from the RFMF camps.

The Minister says they are also using schools like Nabua Primary School, Ratu Sukuna Memorial School and Suva Grammar School to separate their bubbles and maintain their work.