Villagers in Wainibuka work together to enforce strict lockdowns after COVID-19 cases in Korovou

Villagers and youth groups in Tailevu with the help of their different village headmen have been taking charge and implementing their own lockdowns following the confirmation of COVID-19 cases in Korovou.

In many of the villages along Wainibuka, no one is allowed in or out and there are only days where essential runs to Korovou Town are allowed.

Police in Korovou have also been taking charge and ensuring there is no non-essential movement.

Some villages are using the already existing traditional structures to help stop the spread of the virus.

In the village of Nasautoka in Wainibuka, the traditional warriors of the village are leading the charge in monitoring their lockdown area and controlling the movement of people between different households.

The Vice President of the Tailevu Provincial Youth Council Vasiti Tabucakau is from Nasautoka and she says many of the villagers in Wainibuka understand that the risk is much higher now.

Tabucakau says in some villages the youth are leading the charge by enforcing strict measures.

She says villagers are helping each other through exchanging and sharing crops and food.