The Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts (MEHA) is yet to decide on the reopening of children’s day care centres in Fiji.

The minister responsible, Premila Kumar, said it would open, but when was the question.

She said an announcement would be done once schools and such centres met compliance.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said the ministry was working together with MEHA.

He said MEHA and officials had investigated all COVID-19 protocols including best practice overseas.

“A vital component is vaccination for staff and ventilation as alluded to also by Minister Kumar,” Dr Waqainabete said.

“We must ensure everyone surrounding our children are vaccinated apart from teachers, school management, drivers (vehicles and boats), handymen, canteen staff and more.”

The founder and manager of Rainbow Child Care Centre, Sheela Krishna, is looking forward to the border reopening.

She is optimistic her centre, which is the only one in Labasa, will open in the coming months.

“My understanding is that when Fiji reaches its targeted number of vaccinations, borders will reopen and it will be safe to open the centres,” Ms Krishna said.

“However, health and education ministries are drawing up some compliance and I am willingly to cooperate for the future of the children who have been coming to the centre since 2019.”

The youngest child she is looking after is a four-month-old baby boy and the eldest was a five-year-old.

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