A nationwide curfew will be in place from Monday between 10pm and 5am. This was announced by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

He said they had to take this step because there were some Fijians who were not taking the COVID-19 issue seriously.

“As I have said in the frequent COVID-19 press statements I’ve delivered over the past week, we aren’t afraid to ramp up these containment measures if we feel the Fijian public isn’t taking this crisis seriously,” he said.

“When it comes to the type of activities and behaviours that we’ve discouraged to stop the spread of coronavirus –– like non-essential travel, close contact, and large gatherings –– too many Fijians seem to think that when the sun goes down, the rules stop.

“There’s far too much risk of socialising and unnecessary travel at these hours. If you’re out during these hours, unless it’s for work or another life-sustaining purpose, the Police will direct you straight home.”

Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu said the Government was letting the people know this so they could prepare themselves for Monday.

Mr Seruiratu said the Prime Minister would make an announcement on the curfew this weekend.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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