Just like people the world round, Fijians struggle to adjust their behaviour to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The first case of Covid-19 in Fiji was confirmed on March 19th. As of yesterday there are now 12 cases. All 12 cases can be traced back to 4 returning travelers. Only one of these travelers self quarantined as directed by health officials at the Nadi International Airport and to date no additional cases can be attributed to his case. The government has responded to the risks posed by the other three cases by imposing containment zones and curfews. Currently Lautoka and Suva are under enforced containment with no travel in or out of these two zones, Labasa may soon also be put into containment. All domestic passenger flights and marine travel has been closed. People traveling by public transit (bus and taxi) must maintain social distancing of 1.5 m. No public gatherings of any size throughout Fiji and a curfew from 8pm to 5am has been imposed. Stiff penalties are being imposed for any breach of the government’s orders. These strategies may seem like overkill when our case count is so low, however Fiji’s health care system, while providing a decent level of basic care, is totally unprepared to care of the potential thousands of cases if the coronavirus is allowed to take off. This is especially true for rural communities and rural health centers.
And here’s the struggle – Fijian culture is open, welcoming, communal. People greet each other and say goodbye with hugs, kisses, cheek sniffing, hand shakes, pats on the back. Babies and small children are always kissed. People are always invited into your home and whatever meal is in the works is shared. Social distancing is such a foreign concept. When the confirmed first case was announced Arthur and I were in Labasa for our monthly shopping trip. It was busy as usual in town and in the market. As we went about our shopping, I became hyper aware of how difficult it was to maintain even 1 meter distance let alone the recommended 2 meters. And I was becoming progressively more irritated with Arthur everytime he greeted a friend or relative with a handshake or hug – didn’t he understand the concept of social distancing!!! I tried to politely stand back from his interactions and maintain the recommended distance only to be broadsided with a huge loving hug and kiss by one of my karuas (the wife of one of Arthur’s cousins). Canadians in general are reserved and I’m probably more reserved than most, but even Canadians are having difficulty maintaining social distancing so you can see how difficult this is here in Fiji.
So what are we doing at the farm. We’ve met with all our neighbours and close family and explained what social distancing is and how important this will be to defeating the virus. We’ve talked about the risks to our children and elders. We’ve explained that we won’t be visiting during the next month and to please not visit us. We’re going to try to stay in touch by phone and text more often. We’ve stocked up on a month’s supply of staples (not anything different than our usual practice). We’ve planted more vegetables. I plan to plant something new everyday. I’ve started making cloth face masks (I knew there was a reason I brought so much quilting fabric with me). And yesterday we closed off our road to all vehicle traffic.
And we’re counting our blessing. We’re thankful that we have lots of land and ocean to get out and be active in. We’re thankful that we have root crops in the ground; pumpkins, eggplant, okra, beans, cucumbers, bananas, passionfruit, bele, tubua ready for picking; and chicken and fish in the freezer. We’re thankful that our solar system is finally working well thanks to the CBS crew. We’re thankful for the communications system and internet that allows us to stay in touch with family here in Fiji and in Canada. We’re thankful that our ATV is working again. And most of all we’re thankful for each other and the extended family that live with us.
#STAY HOME DON’T ROAM
#STAY SAFE
