Laxity in following COVID-safe protocols is becoming more evident especially in public service vehicles and public areas.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will be talking with stakeholders and partners to see what they can do.

The Fiji Police Force has also shown concern as people continue to violate the protocols especially with masks.

“We are working on escalating our punitive measures  and the communication team will be also working with the Ministry of Transport on this,” Dr Fong said.

He said the exceptions as announced by the Prime Minister was when people were doing their exercises and playing. He said adherence to such protocols were important in preventing a third wave.

Police

The Fiji Police Force says that failure to wear a mask in public continues to be a concern despite repeated calls made by the Ministry of Health for compliance in busy public places.

“From November 1 to 15, 538 bookings for failure to wear a mask in a public place were recorded,” said the Police.

“Failure to wear a mask whilst travelling in a public service vehicle accounted for 23 bookings while 70 bookings were recorded for breach of curfew.

“We urge members of the public to take the Ministry of Health’s call for compliance to COVID safe measures seriously.”

The Police said they will continue to book those who did not comply.

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj