Bula vinaka
Permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong has confirmed 11 new cases of COVID-19 as at 6pm. This came in the wake of his initial confirmation of three new cases earlier in the day at 12pm, all linked to the Muanikoso cluster.
11 new cases
In the 6pm announcement, the first case was recorded at Muanikoso, Nasinu and was a contact of the Vunimono/Nadali cluster.
The second case was presented to the Samabula Health Centre with COVID-19 symptoms while six members of her household in Samabula have now also tested positive, bringing the total number for today to 11.
Lockdown borders reopened
The other big news is that borders will be reopened for some lockdown areas including the one at Makoi in Nasinu.
Now here are some stories that made the headlines in The Sunday Times’ edition for May 23.
The big one on Page 1 is obviously about the new cases, and the second story on the front page is about: In the midst of rockets screaming across the sky and warning sirens blaring, Fijians living in Jerusalem turned to God and prayer to see them through the 11-day conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants.
REFLECTIONS
Once again, let’s take some time to reflect on today’s announcements.
Dr Fong made some important announcements earlier in the day. As of 12pm, we had three new cases of COVID-19. However, this number quickly rose to eight following the new cases in Samabula as at 6pm.
The earlier cases were all linked to the Muanikoso cluster in Nasinu.
One case was from the same household as the other cases he announced yesterday. The other two cases today were of neighbours.
So, urgent steps have been taken to contain the spread of cases from this cluster. This means a lockdown for the Muanikoso area.
Now on case 190, the driver for the security company, contact tracing has identified 29 contacts, however, none have been confirmed as COVID-positive.
Contact tracing is now on for the Samabula case.
Dr Fong also announced the lifting of a number of borders of lockdown areas at 4am today.
That includes the lockdown areas of Makoi in Nasinu, Naria in Rakiraki and Dokonavatu, Nanukuloa and Naiserelagi.
Let’s remind ourselves about the importance of staying home. Let’s remind ourselves why it is important that we strictly adhere to physical distancing rules. The Nadali and Muanikoso clusters should be apt reminders for us all.
Now in the face of this concerted drive to contain the virus, we are still having to deal with breaches of curfew rules.
It’s an unfortunate part of the fight against the virus.
Recent arrests included those of two police officers for drinking kava at a roadblock tent in Vakabuli, Lautoka today.
Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said the two lawmen were among 63 arrests made between Friday and today for breaching health restrictions and curfew orders.
There were 22 cases recorded in the Western Division for a range of issues including travelling without valid documents, drinking alcohol, loitering during curfew hours, and people from different bubbles drinking kava together.
Arrests in the Northern Division were for people breaching curfew regulations, including people drinking alcohol during curfew hours.
In the Eastern Division people were arrested for consuming alcohol in Nausori Town, and for loitering.
The lone case recorded in the Central Division was for loitering during curfew hours.
It isn’t a pleasant scenario we are faced with daily.
This is made worse by the fact that some people are still pushing the boundaries, and are being inconsiderate of the plight of thousands of Fijians who want all these negative vibes to just go away.
Lest we forget, thousands of Fijians have lost their jobs. Thousands more are working reduced hours, and many more are on massive pay cuts.
Right now, there are many families that are staring at a blankwall. They don’t know what to put on their table today.
They are frustrated. They are angry, insecure, and have major concerns about what the future holds for them.
They yearn for hope. They want to be assisted. They want a return quickly to some form of normality, whatever that may be. They need our support. They need our consideration. They need us to do the right thing every day!
PAGE 2
WAF CEO resigns
Water Authority of Fiji chief executive officer Barry Omundson has tendered his resignation on Wednesday this week citing personal reasons.
Call for global solidarity
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete has called for global and regional solidarity for equitable access to medical and laboratory personal protective equipment (PPEs) and vaccines.
Nuclear issue talks
The Pacific Conference of Churches has called on France to move nuclear issue talks from Paris to Pape’ete.
PAGE 3
Crew members in custody
Three crew members of the fishing boat Tiro II are currently in the custody of police as they are being interrogated over an alleged murder that occurred on the vessel.
Israel & Palestine conflict
The Word of God and the fervent prayers of family and friends has enabled Fine Ditoka to cope with the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
There’s more to read on Pages 4 and 8.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Check out the two pages of letters to the editor, on Page 6 and 7.
FEATURES/OPINIONS
We have a host of interesting articles for your Sunday reading.
Check out John Kamea’s no holds barred take in Behind the News.
Check out Seona Smiles’ interesting take in From the Crowd.
In Discovering Fiji, read about: Historical documents and stories about the origin of Christianity in many parts of Fiji find that their paths converge on the island of Lakeba in Lau. The first-ever effort to establish the Christian religion in Fiji began in 1825.
Seeto’s Fijian curries
Chef Lance Seeto has something interesting every Sunday. Check out his column inside. It’s about: Our Fijian curries are a wondrous and subtle blend of spice, tomato, floral herbs and often coconut.
#You can read about the entertainment industry in Bollybaat.
SPORTS
The big one on the back page is about Nemani Nadolo’s take on top rugby action in Europe.
GET A COPY
There’s a lot to read inside. You’ll have to get a copy though to know what we are talking about. Happy reading!
e-EDITION
I have been getting calls from people who miss the newsprint version. In this lockdown period, you could try reading the newspaper on the e-Edition platform. It’s easy to hook up via mPaisa! You can contact us for details on https://www.fijitimes.com/subscribe/ or you can call Setaita on 7754078, or on 3304111 during office hours, to assist you.
You could also just follow a few steps and read The Fiji Times a few minutes later, live and direct! Here are the simple steps to follow:
1: Log onto www.fijitimes.com 2: Select the SUBSCRIBE tab. 3: Register. 4: Select mPaisa payment option! Try it! It’s a different experience!
