Virus War

The Fiji Corrections Service is taking appropriate actions to avoid a potential COVID-19 outbreak in correctional centres.

This was revealed by Deputy Commissioner of Corrections Senior Superintendent Apakuki Qura after five Corrections Officers tested positive in Rakiraki on Monday.

Mr Qura said the officers were part of a 25-member deployment of inmates and officers under the Corrections Musu Dovu Operation.

They were deployed to Rakiraki on Saturday June 26, 2021 to provide much needed cane cutting labour to sugarcane farmers and the Sugar Industry.

It is understood that the inmates are from Korovou Prison in the Central Division.

Nationwide there are over 2000 inmates under the care of the Corrections Service.

“We are taking additional precautions for the safety and wellbeing of all Corrections personnel and those under our care,” Mr Qura said, adding that the FCS team is isolated in a temporary prison setup in Vaileka, Rakiraki.

Lautoka Mill Starts Crushing Today

Sugarcane Growers Council Chief Executive Officer Vimal Dutt said the recent COVID-19 cases in Rakiraki would not affect the cane crushing season.

“Generally it will not affect cane harvesting because there are some alternatives that will work too. We are encouraging people to start harvesting, it’s very important because the Lautoka Mill will start crushing from tomorrow (today) so we want to encourage people to harvest their cane from today (yesterday),” Mr Dutt said.

“People are very eager and enthusiastic to start the crushing season.”

He also urged sugarcane farmers to get vaccinated.

“For those who haven’t received their jab they need to go, it is important that our community gets vaccinated,” he said.

Dr Fong

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong confirmed that the five Corrections Officers tested positive during their 14 days quarantine period at the Fiji Sugar Corporation Compound in Rakiraki as part of essential movement from red zone to green zone.

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