COVID-19 restrictions for the Western and Northern Divisions being carefully reviewed – Dr Fong

The COVID-19 restrictions in the Western Division are being reviewed and announcements will be made by the Health Ministry soon.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says they are doing the same with the Northern Division, where there is no evidence of transmission.

He says the data for the Western Division is good but they need to be cautious.

Doctor Fong says while they have been conducting an appropriate number of tests and have uncovered no new cases, they will need to maintain the escalated community surveillance.

The Permanent Secretary also says they will need to maintain restrictions on movement from Viti Levu to Vanua Levu in order to ensure that Vanua Levu remains transmission-free.

He says they will be exploring and announcing soon protocols of movement that will allow persons who have not been home for long to return home.

Doctor Fong says this virus has kept families apart and has caused undue social suffering.

He says their response has been firm and has proven successful in the Western Division and in specific locations in the Central Division.

Doctor Fong urges all Fijians to stay the course and follow the practices that are necessary to contain this outbreak and get us back to normal.