People urged to practice physical distancing in public transport

All precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 are still in place and people are urged to follow the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health.

This comes as concerns continue to be raised about people not following physical distancing health guildelines in buses.

Land Transport Authority CEO, Samuel Simpson, reiterates that Fijians, especially those travelling by buses, taxis and minibuses, should continue to be vigilant and not relax with COVID-19 precautionary measures just because there have been no new cases of the disease.

Simpson requests passengers to wear masks, take window seats and leave a space in front and behind as these are all effective measures to avoid possible infection.

Minister for Health, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says we have to make sure that we continue with the health guidelines that we have in place.

Dr Waqainabete says we have to be mindful of the fact that around the world COVID-19 is still prevailing.

The Health Minister says the processes that they have in place still haven’t changed.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho had earlier said they are tasked with enforcing two metres physical distancing but there should also be personal responsibility by people.

Meanwhile, Fiji Bus Operators Association says they cannot enforce social distancing in buses and it is purely the travelling passengers’ responsibility as bus companies cannot stop them from boarding the bus.