Batiki, Gau and Nairai have been on lockdown since Sunday after crew members of MV Liahona II tested positive for COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health had recently announced that MV Liahona Shipping is one of the areas of interest.

Assistant Roko Tui Lomaiviti Levi Nayacalevu confirmed this saying the lockdown was a precautionary measure.

“We were informed on Sunday that few of the crew from MV Liahona II tested positive after they returned from Lomaiviti for their franchise run,” Mr Nayacalevu said.

“I believe that some of the crew came in contact with some of the villagers when they went to drop off their cargo”.

Yesterday, villagers were already on day five of their lockdown and would wait until the 14 days lockdown is lifted.

He said the villagers from the three islands had been following all the protocols by the Ministry of Health and some had been swabbed.

Mr Nayacalevu said those who were swabbed were those who were in close contact with the MV Liahona II crew.

“We are waiting for the 14 days period to end because we want to be sure that no one is positive and if some are positive then we will take the next step”.

There are about 4,000 villagers from the three islands.

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj