Bula vinaka
The excitement is building up as the Olympic Games gets underway in Tokyo, Japan.
There is a lot of attention focused on the 7s rugby competition no doubt.
UPDATE ### Tonight the permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong announced 684 new cases of COVID-19 for the 24 hour period that ended at 8am today. You can read the full report on www.fijitimes.com
Here are some headlines that made The Sunday Times’ edition for July 25.
PAGE 1
# SOME people who were under 14 days home quarantine in informal settlements within Lami could end up getting sick because of hunger rather than COVID-19, says Lami District Council of Social Services president Asaeli Naisoro.
REFLECTIONS
Let’s consider an important issue and talk about that.
Ashween Dutt Sharma of Sakoca, Tamavua, is thankful for life. He is appreciative of the work of our frontliners.
He appreciates the work of health experts, and is thankful he is alive today.
He is a COVID-19 positive patient who has recovered from the deadly virus.
He was admitted at the FEMAT facility at Laucala Bay, Suva, and is now urging Fijians not to take the virus lightly.
He tested positive on Saturday, July 17 and was transferred to the FEMAT facility from Valelevu Health Centre the same day.
At the Laucala Bay facility, he described what he went through on Saturday as “a nightmare”.
He spoke about life and death.
“If I had not gone to the hospital, I would have died at home. I thank my neighbour for rushing me there.”
He warns us to take COVID-19 seriously.
Otherwise we are making a great mistake.
Mr Sharma expressed his gratitude towards the Health Ministry for taking care of COVID positive patients at the FEMAT hospital.
This is his story.
Today, if you are thinking this is a joke, think again.
Community transmission is frightening. The virus is spreading. It is out of control! We must work to flatten the curve. That’s not going to be easy.
Our numbers are frightening. They are scaring people. In the face of all this uncertainty, fear and sense of insecurity, people will look up to the powers that be for reassurance. They will look to the powers that be to make tough calls that give them hope, and some semblance of order in their lives.
They want clarity. They want confidence back in their lives.
For what it is worth though, we can’t be sitting back and waiting, hoping that things will change quickly.
We must be the catalyst for change. Treat everyone as a possible virus carrier.
As we look to the powers that be to initiate something, we must take ownership of this problem ourselves.
So let’s do what we can right now.
Let’s control what we can!
Let’s adhere to physical distancing rules. Let’s wash our hands often with soap and water. Let’s use a hand sanitiser if we have that. Let’s stay home and if we must travel, let’s wear a mask properly, covering our nose and mouth.
Don’t touch your face in public until you are able to wash your hands first.
Cut out handshakes and hugs.
Remind people to keep a safe distance from you.
If you are on public transport, watch what you touch. Be mindful of where you sit. Be careful and be safe.
If you feel sick, call the numbers provided by the Ministry of Health. Listen to expert health advice.
We are now staring at a blankwall. These are frightening times. If it seems as if no one is listening, including the powers that be, let’s not despair, we must make a difference, for ourselves, our loved ones and for our nation!
PAGE 3
# A COVID-19 positive patient recovering at the FEMAT facility at Laucala Bay, Suva, is urging Fijians not to take the virus lightly. Ashween Dutt Sharma of Sakoca, Tamavua, said he tested positive on Saturday, July 17 and was transferred to the FEMAT facility from Valelevu Health Centre the same day. Speaking from the Laucala Bay facility, he said what he went through on Saturday was “a nightmare”.
# SOCIAL Democratic Liberal Party Members of Parliament have lost one of their most vocal indigenous rights advocates leading up to the debate of an important Bill in Parliament next week.
# DO not rely on what politicians say, they always say things to further political mileage, says Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau. He made the comment in response to questions from this newspaper about his Facebook post in relation to the iTaukei Land Trust (Budget Amendment) Act 2021.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
# There are many interesting letters on Pages 6 and 7. Check them out. Interesting topics and discussion points.
