Fijian Police dispersed crowds gathered at Sukuna Park and Suva Point early yesterday morning.
Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said they understood those that were there for genuine reasons, to exercise, but there were others gathered in groups and in total disregard to precautionary health measures put in place by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
“We have been receiving reports from individuals who were concerned for their wellbeing as they witnessed many who were disregarding precautionary health measures such as the wearing of masks and physical distancing,” A/CP Tudravu said.
He said reports were also received that many were gathering in numbers and were not seen to be doing any form of physical exercises.
A/CP Tudravu said officers had dispersed people from the area on previous occasions for those same reasons.
He added the Suva City Council had also raised concerns about the removal of tapes used to cordon off exercise equipment and sitting areas.
“Officers had to take this approach for everyone’s safety,” A/CP Tudravu said.
“We request that Fijians do not take advantage of the opportunity allowed by the Ministry of Health to conduct physical exercises as there are many who are genuine in their intentions of trying to achieve a healthier life.
“We will continue to monitor these areas to ensure compliance of health measures and ask that people be considerate of others.”
