Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu says Divisional Commissioners are now identifying non-school facilities that can be used as community isolation centres.
Currently, some schools have been prepared as community isolation facilities however Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong had highlighted earlier in the week that as they shift into the next phase of containment, they are prioritising non-school isolation facilities so that, once it’s safe, they are ready to resume classes.
Seruiratu says there are a lot of other facilities available like community halls and small hotels that can be used as community isolation facilities.
When questioned by when schools are expected to be cleared, Seruiratu says the sooner the better however it will take time to make arrangements and get other facilities ready.
There are 13 community isolation facilities that remain open and are currently occupied by COVID-19 positive patients.
Meanwhile, Fong says in consultation with the Ministry of Education, they are considering re-opening the schools on 24th May this year but that judgement depends entirely on Fiji’s COVID situation at that time.
