The Indian Weekender, 13 November 2020

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18 FIJI Friday, November 13, 2020 The Indian Weekender Free of virus for now – Fiji remains vigilant despite COVID-19 milestone On November 4, 2020 Fiji marked 200 days without any transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the community. The Pacific nation confirmed its first case on March 19, and as of November 4, 2020, Fiji had recorded a total of 34 cases and two deaths. Its last instance of transmission in the community was April 18, 2020. Early investment in testing capacity was crucial in helping the Pacific nation keep numbers low and prevent the virus’ transmission. Around the time that the first case was confirmed in mid-March, Fiji’s molecular laboratory at the Fiji Centre for Disease Control had validated testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, enabling Fiji to quickly test specimens, rather than sending them overseas. This enabled the country to test, trace and isolate, to quickly limit transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) supported the Fijian Government to be ready to respond to the first cases, by placing an epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Since then, WHO has provided Fiji with priority supplies, including 888,500 surgical masks, 53,400 N95 masks, 29,200 face shields, 2000 protective goggles, 4000 isolation gowns and 26,750 GeneXpert testing cartridges. Repatriation flights continue to bring Fijians home, and with them, the threat of new cases of COVID-19. The country has therefore put in place measures to quarantine returning citizens in Government-designated facilities for 14 days, and identify cases at the border. This has led to sporadic cases being identified in border quarantine, thanks to an extensive testing regime. Fiji has opened “Blue Lanes’ to visitors who travel to Fiji via yacht and pleasure craft. After spending 14 days at sea, these visitors are tested for the virus before being allowed to enter the country. “Fiji credits our 200-days of COVID Containment to a fast and early science-based approach, including the systematic identification and isolation of people infected with COVID-19, and quarantine of every known contact of confirmed cases. “Through it all we have safely repatriated through a rigorous system of border quarantine. “Our greatest enemy now is complacency. We must remain vigilant to keep the virus at bay, while positioning the Fijian economy for a recovery in the new normal,” said Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. “Organising and managing quarantine for returning nationals is a challenge for every government. But when it is done properly, it is effective at limiting the importation of SARS-CoV-2. “Going 200 days without reporting any locally transmitted cases of New COVID-19 border quarantine case in Fiji Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete and PS for Health Dr James Fong Fiji has a new border quarantine case of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health says the patient is a 53-yearold male Fijian citizen who arrived in Nadi on Thursday 5th November 2020, on a repatriation flight from New Zealand. His initial port of origin was United States of America. The Ministry says as with all prior border quarantine cases, this latest patient has been under strict border quarantine conditions since arrival into Nadi, at which time he began compulsory 14-day quarantine at a governmentdesignated quarantine facility under supervision from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Health Ministry. The Ministry says the man has not displayed any symptoms since his arrival in Fiji. The entry test was conducted on day 2 of quarantine as part of the standard border process. Fiji has now had 35 COVID-19 cases overall, and this new case is Fiji’s only active COVID case. The 53-year-old man remains in stable condition, and COVID-19 is a huge achievement.” said Dr Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional director for the Western Pacific. At the same time, he cautioned that “while the virus is circulating globally, every country must remain vigilant and be ready to respond accordingly – in ways that are targeted and proportionate to the situation it faces. “Now is the time for Fiji – like other COVID-contained countries – to prepare for the eventual re-introduction of COVID-19.” Fiji plays an important regional role as medical supplies are warehoused in Fiji and it is a hub for Pacific Humanitarian Pathway flights, which are part of the global COVID-19 supply chain system, to Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu and other neighbours. New Caledonia has also managed to avoid local transmission for over 200 days, with 27 cases and no deaths. Some Pacific countries and areas have not reported a single case to date. They are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. However, others including Guam, Papua New Guinea and French Polynesia are currently experiencing outbreaks. WHO is supporting Fiji and other Pacific countries and areas through a COVID-19 Pacifi c Joint Incident Management Team (JIMT), through which the organisation co-ordinates partners to bring together resources and improve readiness to delay the spread of the virus and mitigate the negative health and socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19. has been transferred to the isolation ward at the Lautoka Hospital as per standard protocol for confirmed cases. The frontline border and quarantine staff who were directly involved with this patient will all be monitored and tested as necessary. The Ministry also states that this border quarantine case continues to pose zero risk to the health and wellbeing of the Fijian public. Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says today they are honouring the service and sacrifice of those people who have given their lives in combat but we should also remember that we fight many kinds of battles. While speaking at the Remembrance Day at CWM Hospital’s peace garden, Bainimarama says the CWM Hospital was built to remember the 123 Fijian and British soldiers who left our shores with their arms more than a century ago to fight in the great war and did not return. Bainimarama says their names are on the plaque in the peace garden which stands as a fitting memorial to those soldiers because it is dedicated to healing. He says they could never bring those soldiers back but they can dedicate to saving lives, to curing sickness and keeping people healthy Girmit lineage hailed GIRMIT lineage in Fiji has made tremendous success in crucial aspects of our society, says Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) director Santosh Mishra. “The sons and daughters of the girmitiya have proven that you are no less than anyone in the world,” he said during the annual Diwali celebrations that was jointly organised by the Fiji Girmit Council and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka. Mr Mishra said the girmit lineage in Fiji had come a long way in every aspect, especially in politics and education. “Your girmitiya forefathers have paved a better future for you through their hard work as indentured labourers, toiling for countless hours in the sugarcane fields.” He urged the many young people during the celebrations to follow in the footsteps of the successful Fijians of Indian descent in order to mould their lives. “The current generations can achieve everything if only they take heed of the advice of our elders,” said Mr Mishra. Today we are fighting many kinds of battles – Bainimarama in their name. The Prime Minister says the CWM Hospital opened to public in 1923 with 108 beds and 27 staff. He says today there are over 500 beds and around 2,000 staff. Fijians urged to abide by the designated time Fijians will be allowed to play with fireworks until 10pm on Sunday – the actual day of Diwali religious celebrations. FBC News can confirm that fireworks will only be allowed between 5pm and 10pm on the day, while authorities have allowed an extra two hours on Monday which is the designated public holiday. Manager for Mines Division at the Mineral Resources Department Raymond Mohammed says although people can light fireworks until midnight they still need to follow the curfew hours. “The only reminder to the individuals that are going to use fireworks is to use fireworks within the premises of your dwelling and residence from 5pm to 12 pm should be within the confines of the perimeters of your residence so that you are not breaking the curfew in place.” Mohammed says the approved extended hours from 5pm to 12 midnight apply only on the 16th of this month. He adds strict action will be taken against those who do not adhere to the designated times for lighting fireworks. “Basically in the fireworks regulations if you do not adhere to the approved fireworks usage hours you will be held liable to a fine of not more than $400 or imprisonment not less than 6 months.” The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has called on Fijians to celebrate responsibly and to keep in mind that Fiji is still observing COVID-19 related restrictions.
The Indian Weekender Friday, November 13, 2020 INDIA 19 Modi says will fulfil promises under Nitish's leadership I salute the people's verdict in Bihar, says Nitish After the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar assembly elections, it is almost certain that Nitish Kumar would sit in the chief Minister's chair once again. After getting a majority, Kumar has saluted the people of the state and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his cooperation. Nitish Kumar's credibility was at stake in this election. In his first reaction after the election results, Kumar saluted the people of Bihar. "I bow before the people's mandate," tweeted the chief minister from his official Twitter handle. "I salute the people for the majority that they have given to the NDA. I also thank PM Narendra Modiji for his cooperation," he added in the tweet. In Bihar, the NDA won 125 seats in the assembly elections. Amid cheering crowds at BJP headquarters here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people for reposing faith in BJP and NDA. Ending suspense on the new Bihar government, the Prime Minister said, "Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar the NDA workers will fulfil poll promises and oath given to people for development." He said, "despite 15 years of rule the people have given mandate to the NDA for development of the state, those who thought they can win with other issues have been proven wrong." From Kashmir to every part of the country the BJP has gained electorally because its mantra is service and development," he said. He also attacked the opposition political parties without taking names he said either there are family parties or parties controlled by family. Attacking Congress, Modi said even the oldest party is in grip of a family but now the people know of it. Modi said "silent voters have become asset to the party and women is the silent voter which is giving BJP chance after chance." He also said new India is rising amid challenges and no pandemic can stop it as he thanked the people for participating in the democratic process during Covid times. He said many important decisions were taken during Covid, from farm laws to many initiatives. He thanked the people of Bihar particularly and said that party will take new development initiatives in the state. He also warned parties indulging in violence and said that this could not be tolerated. However said BJP will fullfill the promises under Nitish Kumar and he praised party chief J.P. Nadda for the strategy he made for the party in Bihar. In a close election in Bihar, BJP emerged as the second largest party and NDA has retained power after 15 years of rule. The most visited Indian news website in New Zealand. For online advertising options, email at sales@indianweekender.co.nz R E S T A U R A N T S Delivering Happiness Since 2015 Come celebrate with us! Celebrate this Diwali with joy and sweets from Shivani. Diwali gift packs, boxes and baskets now available. Mt Roskill, Papatoetoe, Hamilton and online at www.shivani.co.nz Call now 0800 SHIVANI
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The Indian Weekender, 13 November 2020

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