Dr Fong says they are extremely concerned at the lack of adherence to COVID safe measures in gatherings throughout the country

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong remains extremely concerned at the lack of adherence to COVID safe measures in gatherings throughout the country, especially the non-adherence to masking in indoor public spaces and gatherings in sheds or tents that result in a lot of people sitting close to each other.

Doctor Fong says they ask that all gatherings, including family gatherings during the festive period, observe the COVID safe measures and as such are restricted in numbers and are done in spaces where good distancing and ventilation can be maintained.

He says the use of fans to ventilate these gatherings, asking that anyone who attends the gathering who does not feel well refrain from attending, and masking up wisely, are all messages that need people to adhere to.

Doctor Fong says in response to the likely introduction of Omicron into our communities, the MOH has new stocks of booster doses for the elderly, vulnerable, and front liners; and the vaccination of children will continue.

He says they continue to promote COVID safe behaviour in the messages and use legal measures they have for enforcement.

Doctor Fong says they continue to work with businesses and schools to foster COVID safe measures to become an automatic habit.

He says they want to facilitate the reopening of society in a way that does not cause mass illness and death.

The Permanent Secretary says they cannot eradicate SARS-CoV-2 but they can plan to ensure that what comes into Fiji is well known and we have enough vaccination cover and COVID safe habits in the community to protect ourselves and the freedoms we enjoy.