THE National Federation Party is calling on Government to take measures to stop the arrival of the coronavirus in light of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic.
NFP leader Prof Biman Prasad said the WHO pandemic declaration obligated Fiji to ensure there was no community spread and placed more responsibility on Government and the health system.
Prof Prasad said it was widely known the health system was in a “state of gross negligence and disrepair”.
“WHO is laying out the steps very clearly — detect, test, treat, isolate, trace and mobilise our people,” he said.
“Unfortunately we still have no clear idea about where our quarantine/isolation centres are, amidst much unnecessary secrecy such as the Navua Hospital.
“The new testing facilities are welcome and we thank our partners Australia and New Zealand, but testing occurs after the fact.
“Fiji needs to be doing its utmost to prevent its arrival, at all costs.
“Furthermore, cruise ships are still docking, as are fishing vessels.
“The Singapore route, the Los Angeles route as is the Australian route are still open by air.
“There is no coherent solution by the Government, and if they are serious about arresting the risk of community spread, the Government has to pull up its socks immediately.”
Meanwhile, permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Yogesh Karan said Government would continue to review its immigration policy and could impose further travel restrictions due to the WHO pandemic declaration.
Mr Karan, who is also the permanent secretary for Immigration, said the heightened status of the virus was being closely monitored by the Fijian Government.
“Of course, we will keep reviewing our immigration policy as we have been doing so,” he said.
When asked if Government would look at imposing further travel restrictions, Mr Karan said decisions would be made based on need and also as a precautionary measure.
“Certainly, yes, as and when the need arises and also as a precaution.
“We are working with the Ministry of Health and with international borders to align our policies and will make the necessary decisions as appropriate,” he said.
On February 27, Government closed borders to all foreign nationals who were in mainland China, Italy and Iran, or in Cheongdo County and Daegu City in South Korea, within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.
This was in addition to existing travel restrictions which covered all foreign nationals who had been present anywhere in South Korea within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.
