Mandatory mask-wearing still in place – Dr Waqainabete

Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete has highlighted that mandatory mask-wearing is still in place.

Doctor Waqainabete made the comments after we raised the question on what is being done as many people have been seen not wearing masks at events, supermarkets and even public transport.

We have also asked if the government will remove mandatory mask-wearing as there is no strict enforcement now.

Doctor Waqainabete says mask wearing has to stay and Fijians also need to be wary as many other countries do not enjoy the luxury we have in Fiji.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said during his official statement last October that they will continue to enforce a mask mandate for all indoor public venues, on public transportation and in crowded public settings like markets, shopping malls and bus stands.

He says the police remain empowered to issue spot fines to rule breakers.

Bainimarama confirms in all other settings outside homes, mask wearing is still strongly encouraged but you will not be required to wear a mask if you are walking at the sea wall, going for jogging, walking for exercise, having a picnic at the beach and gathering in homes. Meanwhile Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong has revealed that the booster program deployment is very slow. He says COVID is endemic in Fiji and as such the risk of resurgence will be to the unvaccinated, those with waning immunity, and those who have not had a vaccine booster dose.

Doctor Fong says Fiji’s vaccination coverage stands at 87 percent of the population 12 years and over and they have quite a lot of post-infection acquired immunity in the population.

He says while this is good, unfortunately in terms of protection, they expect decreasing immunity from the 2 doses of vaccines as well as decreasing post-infection acquired immunity over time.

As of March 21st, a total of 114,144 individuals have received booster doses.

Doctor Fong says while members of the public have been advised to obtain their booster dose after at least 5 months from their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, they will shortly be advising a shorter interval period in recognition of the risk of disease surge.

He also confirms that the current booster program has been slowed down by slower uptake and deployment challenges relating to the need to deal with the current surge of leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue fever, and influenza we are facing Fiji-wide.