Traditional leaders in the West have reaffirmed the call by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on banning social events and practising social distancing.

Tui Tavua Ratu Nacanieli Uqeuqe said discussions were made with village members and they’ were taking it a step further.

“We are following right through; we’ve even stopped people from coming and us going out. We have been quite clear on that, because right now we are just trying to contain the virus,” he said.

Ratu Nacanieli said other village heads needed to ban community events also.

Ba Provincial Council chairman and Turaga ni Yavusa Vuda Ratu Tevita Momoedonu said: “People who hold traditional leadership in the community should take heed of the Prime Minister and Government’s stance.

“I hope common sense will prevail among leaders in the community.”

The Vanua o Nawaka, as of Tuesday, has placed a curfew or “vatatabu” from 5pm to 5am for all the villagers.

Tui Nawaka Ratu Asaeli Driu said the curfew would be monitored by the village headman.

Tui Sabeto Ratu Tevita Mataitoga is calling on his people and neighbouring villages to refrain from using horses and boats to cross the Sabeto River to reach the Lautoka confined area.

Police have set up checkpoints at the Queens highway near Natalau, in Nadi. Police and the military continue to monitor the river banks along the Nadi–Lautoka border areas.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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