Pull all stops

THE WHO directorgeneral yesterday (06/03) stated — in reference to the COVID-19 outbreak — that this is now the time to “pull out all stops” and not the time to make excuses. His statement seems to have an air of urgency and frustration, possibly because some countries are just not doing enough at the moment.

Fiji, is currently free of any in-country COVID-19 virus infection. Thank goodness.

We sincerely need to heed the WHO advice and be more and more proactive each day. We also need to take the necessary and appropriate pragmatic measures and actions — as per WHO protocols — so as to continue to remain in this rarified group of virus-free countries.

It’s going to be a hard ask. However, as a small island state surrounded by continents that now have infections within their borders, we need to heed the call to “pull out all stops” to prevent this contagion invasion. If we are ever infested with this virus within our borders, we just may not be in a position to effectively cope with it. Reactive actions may just be too late, too little and possibly devastating, once the infection becomes prevalent here.

From what we see on the world news each day, we must continue to be always proactive and very vigilant 24/7 at our borders — not forgetting the many secluded islands and beaches where overseas yachts could enter and shelter, unseen by the border authorities. Everyone needs to be on board and alert.

There is no other choice when it comes to our very survival.

EDWARD BLAKELOCK Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour