Bula vinaka everyone
Parliament is on this week, and the big one on the front page is on what transpired there today.
But before that, our topic tonight is on the impact of COVID-19 on the elderly and children.
The revelation that the second domestic repatriation trip from Suva to Labasa last week recorded two COVID-positive cases will attract attention.
According to Labasa Hospital Medical Superintendent Doctor Jaoji Vulibeci, this takes the total of positive cases on Vanua Levu to three, after the first case was recorded in Nabouwalu.
Dr Vulibeci said the two cases from the repatriation group that came from Suva were now at the Malau isolation facility in Labasa.
He said, in light of the situation, further plans for restricted movement would be discussed.
Since the latest outbreak of COVID-19 in Fiji, Vanua Levu has recorded a total of seven cases.
This is a concern. Given the staggering numbers on Viti Levu, especially in the Lami-Suva to Nausori corridor, there will be keen interest focused on how the ministry responds to the turn of events in the North.
We say tough decisions will have to be made to protect lives and keep the numbers down. We hope there are lessons to learn from our experience in the second wave which started in April.
We again must reiterate the need for every Fijian to be aware of COVID-19 safety measures.
There can be no room for complacency.
We have seen the rise in the number of cases on Viti Levu. We have seen the worrying death count, and we have read and learnt of the impact on people above a certain age.
This is serious business, which demands vigilance and tough calls.
Lest we forget, there is a segment of the population we cannot afford to ignore.
Obviously, there will be emphasis on the elderly and those unvaccinated.
We must also consider our children below the age of 18.
They are not vaccinated.
Our challenge is to keep them safe every day.
That will mean vigilance on our part. It will mean ensuring we do not take the virus back home.
Remember, we will have to work together to flatten the curve.
Let’s stay safe, protect ourselves, our children and the elderly.
LATE UPDATE
Tonight the permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong announced 653 new cases of COVID-19 for the 24 hour period ending at 8am today. He said there were 462 cases in the Western Division and 191 cases in the Central Division. Read more on this on www.fijitimes.com
HEADLINES
Here are some headlines that made The Fiji Times’ edition for Thursday, August 19.
PAGE 1
Saneem caused embarrassment
unlawfully” in removing his name from the National
Register of Voters. Picture: RAMA
OPPOSITION MP Niko Nawaikula says Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem “caused great embarrassment to the Office of the Speaker” when he unlawfully removed his name from the Register of Voters, and caused the Speaker to declare his seat in Parliament vacant.
There’s more news from Parliament on Pages 2,3,4 and 5.
PAGE 3
Agricultural leases
ONLY 99 of the 1211 agricultural leases that expired between August 2016-July 2017 were renewed, says the Lands and Mineral Resources Ministry.
Students’ transport assistance
THE Ministry of Education busted its students’ transport assistance subsidy budget by more than $7 million in the 2017-2018 and more than $4 million 2018-2019 financial years.
Tiko lodges intimidation report
POLICE have begun investigations into an intimidation report lodged by Lautoka businessman Varinava Tiko.
Industrial hemp
WORKS on the study of industrial hemp has already commenced as outlined under Head 50 of the 2021-2022 Budget estimates.
Regional solidarity
PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says a key focus of his tenure as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum will be to restore solidarity in the region.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
There are interesting letters on Pages 8 and 9.
PEOPLE
In this ever-popular section of the newspaper, read about: Benny Raawalai
BENNY Rawalai, was forced out of a job when the pandemic struck Fiji’s tourism industry. He was a staff at the Intercontinental Golf Resort and Spa, and like many others, he too was told to go home as resorts across the nation suffered.
BACKTRACKS
The musical journey continues. IN the late ’60s, Toberua Island was a leading tourist destination in the country. Located 10.5km east of Bau Landing, the tiny four-acre private island was where Suva businessmen and their families, and colonial administrators, would gather on weekends for a breather. And while many flocked there for sun, sand and sea, others were quite happy to put their feet up and listen to the soothing sounds of the Toberua Island Serenaders.
SPORTS
The big one on the back page is about: Family reunites
THE Fijiana 7s team’s bronze medal win at the Japan Olympic Games will reunite a family that was separated because of rugby.
Paralympics team inspired
“WE are inspired by the Fiji 7s teams Olympic Games medals win Japan,” says Fiji Paralympics team coach to Japan, Fred Fatiaki.
MORE INSIDE
There’s more to read inside but you’ll have to get a copy to know what we are talking about. Happy reading!
