Fiji police warn they are stepping up on the enforcement of any failure to comply with orders pertaining to health restrictions throughout the country.
Police ensure Covid-19 protocols are observed by the public. Photo: Fiji govt
Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu issued the warning after 48 people were arrested in the last 24 hours for failing to wear a mask in a public place within a containment or lockdown zone.
He said 27 people, including a 17-year-old juvenile, were arrested for failing to wear a mask along Grantham Road, Raiwai, Wailea Street and Fletcher Road, Vatuwaqa, Borete and Tiri Road, Nadawa, Qarase Road and Ratu Dovi Road in Nadera and along Narere Road.
He said the rest were arrested for social gathering.
"Five men and two women were arrested from Mead Road, Nabua and in a separate case four men and a juvenile were arrested at Jittu Estate as they were all involved in a drinking party," Tudravu said.
"The Central Division recorded 18 arrests which included five women, 12 men and a 16-year old juvenile who were arrested within the Suva City area for failing to wear a mask," he said.
"The Eastern Division recorded three arrests along the Nakasi Road for failing to wear a mask while the Western Division recorded two reports for breach of curfew."
Tudravu said police officers would be moving around these areas to ensure people are wearing masks, and that business operators are complying with the Covid-19 restrictions.
He said this also includes public service vehicle operators, to ensure they are adhering to the 50 percent capacity guidelines.
The clamping down on social gatherings is another focus of the police force, he said.
More than 1,000 people have been arrested for breaching the daily curfew restriction (10pm-4pm).
"We reiterate that this is being done to help protect those who are genuinely concerned about their health and well-being from those who are only thinking of themselves by disregarding the health measures and restrictions," Tudravu said.
The Health Ministry announced on Monday 352 new cases of Covid-19 with over 5,000 positive people in isolation.