New penalties for breach of COVID-19 related regulations will take effect from next week where spot fines will range from $20 for individuals and up to $4,000 for companies depending on the severity of the offence.
While making the announcement, Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says the Police, designated staff of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission will be given powers to enforce these new penalties.
Bainimarama says they are serving fines so that we do not crowd our cells with offenders and hope these fines serve as a deterrence.
He says they don't want to lock people up and also don't want people’s money however they want everyone to follow the rules.
The Prime Minister says they are going to every length imaginable to get the word out and have published the guidance everywhere they can - on billboards, radio, social media and on television.
He says they even have teams of people including the RFMF going around with hailers to communities telling adults to wear masks, to not share cigarettes or bowls of grog, and respect the rules.
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