COVID-19: No easy ways around this pandemic – Fijian PM

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Fijian PM Voreqe Bainimarama delivers his statement at the press conference in Suva yesterday – Thursday, July 22 (2021), held for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines provided by the US government. Picture: US EMBASSY SUVA/FACEBOOK

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says there are no easy ways around this pandemic.

“We have to meet it head-on, and we are,” Mr Bainimarama said in Suva yesterday (July 22) while receiving more than 150,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the US government.

He said Fijian frontline workers had been working tirelessly and selflessly in hospitals, homes, offices and informal settlements around the country to eradicate COVID-19, and “doctors, nurses and medical administrators are providing critical leadership”.

“Government has devoted all the resources at our disposal to support individuals and businesses who are suffering economically because of this pandemic,” the PM said.

“But we need to get to the permanent solution.

“Once we do, this virus will be like the many other diseases we have defeated through vaccines—like smallpox, polio, measles and leprosy.

“Vaccines are the permanent solution—the proven solution.”

Mr Bainimarama said most Fijians were doing their part but more Fijians still needed to step up.