COVID-19: Targeted Lockdowns, Not To Put Undue Hardship, Dr Fong says

Targeted lockdowns is something the Ministry of Health permanent secretary Dr James Fong has hinted to explain that their COVID plan was not to put undue hardship on people.

“We cannot expect our economy to recover if we shut entire industries for weeks on end,” Dr Fong said.

He said some of those jobs, particularly in manufacturing, may never come back.

Dr Fong said businesses, organisations, communities and individuals were all in this campaign together.

“All of us are only as strong as our weakest link,” he said.

Dr Fong said adherence to all COVID-safe measures, everywhere in Fiji at every level of society was the only sustainable way to manage this crisis.

“Whatever step we take, whether that is legally mandating mask-wearing or the use of careFIJI, or even re-introducing a 24-hour curfew, our success will ultimately come down to the diligence and the vigilance of the public.

“Many people are making adjustments to keep themselves and their loved one safe, we see you and we appreciate you.”

Dr Fong said there were indications that some Fijians were still pretending there was no threat.

“This pandemic has changed societies in long-lasting ways. It has changed the way people interact. It has changed the way people do business. And Fiji must change with the world,” he said.

Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu

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