Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Doctor James Fong has asked communities in Ra to prepare for a possible lock-down.

He said a call on the lockdown will be made as their investigation into the two active cases in Ra continues.

Current active cases in Ra includes a security guard of the Ra Provincial Council office and his wife.

Dr Fong said: “Our Ra Containment Area was established yesterday, which limits movement in the province, but does allow for essential businesses to remain open. We have not locked down Ra at this stage.

However, our investigations into the two unconnected clusters in the province may require more stringent measures in the near future.

“For now, Fijians within that containment should be on high-alert. Anyone outside of your home should be treated as a potential COVID-positive patient. You are safest at home, and that is where you should stay.

“If you need to leave, wear a mask, keep your distance from others, and keep careFIJI switched on at all times. If you do not have careFIJI app installed, you shouldn’t leave the house. Install it onto your phone, or send someone to do your shopping who does have the app,” he said.

Dr Fong also reminded members of rural communities to take precautions.

“ I think sometimes we think our remoteness can protect us, but remoteness provides no protection when people are circulating through the country. A number of communities have taken the step of adopting lockdown measures of their own. This is a prudent and responsible action under the current circumstances,” he said.

“So I encourage all of our rural and maritime communities to restrict travel into your communities if you can. This one measure can go a long way toward keeping your communities safe.”

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