‘No jab, no job’ policy remains – Fiji Govt

By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Fiji’s Government says its ‘no jab, no job’ policy will remain despite calls to remove it.

There has been growing discontent towards the move which came into effect last year.

But Fiji’s acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the Government is reviewing other Covid-safety policies, but ‘no jab no job’ policy has had a positive effect.Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt

“Because of that policy we have a high rate of vaccination and because of that a lot of people have not died or got very severely sick and because of that we are able to open the school and we’re able to open the economy,” he said.

The Health Ministry said close to 93 percent of the country’s adult population is fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Fiji’s College of General Practitioners is among those opposed to the Government’s ‘no jab, no job’ policy.

College head Ram Raju said the policy did not make sense and should not be maintained.

Dr Raju claimed that no medical research or data at the international level had “fully proven whether a partially vaccinated or fully vaccinated person has full immunity to any variant of the virus adding that this research is still ongoing.”Dr Ram Raju.

Dr Ram Raju. Photo: Supplied

The policy only serves to deny Fijians the ability to provide for their families, Dr Raju said.

But Sayed-Khaiyum maintained “the policy is the reason Fijians are able to enjoy the freedoms they have now.”

Fiji sporting groups urged to adhere to Covid-19 rules

Fiji’s Association of Sports and the National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) is calling on local sporting bodies to follow the Covid-19 measures.

The Government lifted restrictions surrounding the pandemic last weekend.

Sporting events can have 80 percent attendance provided those spectators wear masks.

The committee’s chief executive officer Lorraine Mar said sports federations and their members should continue to follow Covid protocols to avoid a repeat of the closure of sports events and tours.5th November 2017, Stamford Bridge, London, England; EPL Premier League football, Chelsea versus Manchester United; David De Gea of Manchester Utd looks at the ball in the net as Alvaro Morata of Chelsea scores making it 1-0

Football match Photo: Photosport

Sports can be a super spreader if Fijians are not careful, Mar said.

“Everyone is asked to be mindful of what we are going through and what we are doing for sports.”

Indoor and outdoor sporting events, including competitive sports, may be held with spectators at 80 percent capacity provided spectators wear masks.

Mar said any further rise in Covid-19 cases could stop Fiji from participating in sporting events such as the Pacific Mini Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Rugby League World Cup and the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team’s proposal to host its Super Rugby games in Fiji.

Mar said the lifting of restrictions had allowed Fijians to enjoy sports again.

“That’s a huge advantage for our national federations to be able to train as they would normally train.

“Our advice to our sports people is to go ahead and practice, but you must remind your athletes of the protocols put in place.”

Wearing of masks in public remains mandatory.

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news