Hotel workers going in and out of the properties used as quarantine facilities are being thoroughly checked – Doctor Fong

Acting Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong says hotel workers who look after people that are quarantined in the health facilities have to practice physical distancing and wear proper protective equipment while looking after returning citizens, and the RFMF Officers are there to ensure that these COVID-19 protocols are adhered to.

He says there are proper systems in place to ensure these workers do not spread the virus to the greater public.

Doctor Fong says one of the hotels has decided that their workers will remain on the property when they look after these returning citizens however there are other hotels where workers go in and out of the property.

He says the Ministry of Health has put in place measures on how these workers are screened.

Doctor Fong says all these protocols that have been put in place have been strengthened especially after the soldiers came in and when there was information on the group of people returning from India.

These protocols include maintaining physical distancing, washing of hands, wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment, screening before and after leaving the facility and offering non-contact services.

The Acting Permanent Secretary for Health has also urged people to continue adherence to COVID-19 related conditions such as hand washing and social distancing in order to give the Ministry of Health greater confidence.

Meanwhile, Head of Health Protection, Doctor Alisha Sahukhan says they have full confidence in the system they have put in place.

She adds that influenza cases have been lower this year in comparison to last year.

The Influenza season in Fiji is between February to June.