FIJI’S effort to stop the entry of the coronavirus through its borders hinges on hope, says permanent secretary for the Prime Minister’s Office Yogesh Karan.
Responding to questions on Fiji’s chances of controlling the virus at its borders considering the fact that it had infiltrated developed countries with advanced technology, Mr Karan said the Office of the PM was keeping a close watch on developments overseas.
He said they could not tell people not to be scared but they could advise them to be cautious. “We hope that the virus does not get through our borders,” he said.
“We are waiting on the line ministry to give us advice and the necessary measures that need to be put in place so we are prepared and we had the first 2019 Novel Coronavirus Multi-agency Steering Committee yesterday (Friday).
“However, if the virus should enter our borders, we have strategies in place.”
Meanwhile, a statement from the Ministry of Health has strongly advised Fijians against any travel to the Hubei Province in China which is a high risk area for the virus.
This includes the cities of Wuhan, Huanggang, Ezhou, Chibi, Xiantao, Zhijiang, Qianjiang, Xianning, Huagshi, and Enshi. This advice may be reviewed as the situation develops.
