People to be charged by Police if they do not wear masks in public places

Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says Police officers will be stepping up on the enforcement on the mandatory wearing of masks in a public place within a containment zone or lockdown zone.

Tudravu says the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in its effort to counter the spread of COVID-19 has issued orders where members of the public are required to wear a face covering or mask in the proper manner.

The health orders are that any person in a public place in a containment zone or lockdown zone must, except with reasonable excuse, wear a face covering in the proper manner.

Any driver of a public service vehicle, or passenger in a public service vehicle must, except with reasonable excuse, wear a face covering in the proper manner.

Any business in Fiji must, except with reasonable excuse, require its employees and customers to wear face coverings in the proper manner in order to enter the premises of the business.

These requirements however do not apply to a child who is under the age of 5 years, a police officer or an emergency responder acting in the course of his or her duty, if performing such duty would be hindered by wearing a face covering.

Tudravu says any person who does not adhere to the orders will be liable to be charged for the offence of Failure to Comply with Orders under Section 69(1) (c) of Public Health, 1935 and Regulations 2 of Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2020.

Any business operator who does not adhere to the order will be referred to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport.

Tudravu says they are urging the resilient Fijians to continue adhering to the orders issued by the Health Ministry and support the efforts in containing COVID–19 from spreading further.