The Mata Ni Tikina or the District Representative of Nacula in the Yasawa Islands, Lavenia Naivalu believes those breaching maritime travel restrictions are using unsupervised ports such as Wailoaloa Beach and Saweni Beach.
23 cases have been reported in Malolo island with one death reported at Somosomo village in Naviti island, Yasawa. All cases are in isolation.
Naivalu says when such breaches occur, the leadership is tested and for them in the district of Nacula, the village headmen are being told to be vigilant and strict in enforcing the COVID-19 protocols.
She says she was surprised to hear that there are cases in Malolo Island because she was hoping that it would reach the maritime islands after the 30th of September when they have already received their second dose of the vaccine.
She adds for them, protocols have to be followed when one travels to the mainland for supplies or for medical reasons.
Naivalu says they have only started the repatriation of some of their villagers residing on the mainland as they are facing hardships due to the pandemic.
The representative says with the assistance of some companies, they were able to assist those in quarantine with food and fare back to the village after quarantine.
Naivalu is pleading to people in the maritime islands to continue to follow the guidelines that have been set by the Health Ministry as this is the only way to protect the islands from the deadly virus.
