Be responsible! Follow the Ministry of Health advisories for the benefit of all Fijians.

This was an impassioned plea made by Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu yesterday.

He made the comments after the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong revealed that a man from Moturiki breached the screening zone protocol currently imposed on Moturiki Island.

The man swam to Ovalau Island where he was picked by Police.

Acting Commissioner Tudravu said it was this kind of reckless behavior that put people at risk.

“We have to help the Ministry of Health and all frontliners because they are doing their best to help all of you,” he said.

“Be responsible and adhere to all advisories because it is for your own benefit.”

Dr Fong said the man was in Police custody and would be quarantined for the next 14 days.

“I know that may be funny to some people, but it is a real problem for our health officials.

“The nature of this pandemic can induce anxiety in a lot of people.

“It is a scary time, but don’t let that fear drive you towards bad decision-making.

“I want everyone watching to know, if my teams are in your community, they are there because they care. “

He said: “They care about you, they care about your family, and they care about keeping our country safe. So please offer whatever cooperation and assistance that you can.”

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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