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ANISH CHAND
A lean-to house with a tarpulin roof at Cogea
Village in Bua. Picture: SERAFINA SILAITOGA
The Fiji Red Cross Society states COVID-19 movement restrictions could be placing the lives of thousands of people living in tents on Vanua Levu at risk.
Director general Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said they were unable to send crucial items like water tanks and without safe drinking water and hygiene facilities, tent dwellers could be vulnerable should they be exposed to the virus.
“We understand and support the importance of movement restrictions around Fiji to contain further spread of COVID-19, yet this virus has struck a double blow for those who were severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa as it is almost impossible to transport relief items across to Vanua Levu,” she said.
They re among the 48 active COVID-19 cases in Fiji - most of them community transmission.
The capital Suva and nearby town Nausori went into a full lockdown on Friday, with restrictions in place until at least Wednesday.
The rest of the island has a 6pm curfew starting on Saturday. Other islands have an 11pm curfew. This lockdown serves the dual purpose of putting a halt on further spread, there may be a community case we do not know about, Fijian Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong said.
Volunteers on the ground say Fijians are scared so are taking this seriously.
Timoci Vula
16 March, 2021, 3:26 pm
The Fiji Red Cross Society has acknowledged the contribution of blood donors in Fiji saying this is a big humanitarian gift in terms of saving lives. Picture: SUPPLIED
The Fiji Red Cross Society has received a contribution of $59,980.47 from the Fijian Association Pagopago and the people of American Samoa.
Fiji Red Cross Society Director General Ilisapeci Rokotunidau acknowledged the Fijian Association, Pagopago and the people of American Samoa in its humanitarian efforts to address the needs of communities affected by TC Yasa and TC Ana on Vanua Levu.
“The needs on the ground are massive and this assistance will greatly alleviate some difficulties people are still facing,” Ms Rokotunidau said.