Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday reminded all Fijians not to forget the stakes of the fight against COVID-19 and not to downplay it.

He made the call while addressing Parliament, stressing the importance of not being complacent as the pandemic was not over yet, nor would it be for some time.

The 11pm to 4am nationwide curfew will remain in force in the foreseeable future, he said as well as capacity restrictions for sporting events and large public gatherings.

Mr Bainimarama also warned nightclub owners that their establishments will be shut down if they do not play by the rules by allowing dancing and loud music in their venues.

“Let us remember the spirit that guided the Fijian people through those difficult months,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“As His Excellency aptly described it, that truly patriotic, whole-of-nation effort was why Fiji is succeeding, even when so many larger, wealthier, and more developed nations are not.

“It is why we are a COVID-Contained country for more than 240 days and why we have remained a COVID-contained country even as border quarantine cases have emerged.”

He also gave an update on the two potential border quarantine cases from the vessel MV Island Chief saying the indicators all point to a low-risk situation.

“Our infection protocols were well-enforced, and none of the crew on board ever disembarked. But because we would always rather be safe than sorry, we’ll be taking some additional precautions until we are sure there is zero risk of public transmission.”

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