Low bridge issue 17 patients test positive for for bus company COVID-19
IMPACTS of climate change are becoming a problem for a bus company on Taveuni.
The company – Taveuni Buses Ltd – has raised its concerns over low-lying crossing that usually submerge during high tide.
Company manager Prakash Sami said the crossing at Bouma Village on the northern side of the island becomes a problem when buses cross the bridge covered with seawater.
“It’s an ongoing issue and happens every day during high tide. Drivers need to drive slowly over this bridge at Bouma Village which is low,” he said.
“As a result of this, the seawater touches the bottom part of the bus and we have seen some parts getting rusty because of the salt.
RAKESH KUMAR
“We have raised this issue with the Fiji Roads Authority and hope this issue is attended to.”
Mr Sami said the situation had incurred high maintenance cost for the company.
FRA chief executive Kamal Prasad said the low-level crossing was part of the team’s forward works program.
“This is for crossing replacement but at the moment, FRA’s focus is on the 40 priority bridges replacement program for Fiji which includes 14 for the Northern Division and four for Taveuni,” he said.
“It’s all part of our maintenance program budget for the North and based on materials and resources we have at the moment.
“Budget is not determined by the location or area but what level of service we are able to provide within the approved budget.”
SEVENTEEN patients tested positive for COVID-19 while being admitted to the hospital.
In a statement, Ministry of Health and Medical Services said it continued to see an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“We are continuing to see an increase in COVID-19 cases based on case numbers reported to us, positivity rates being compiled from hotel, airport and hospital workers and absenteeism rates from selected industries and schools,” the statement said.
“We have registered 17 patients who have incidentally tested positive for COVID-19 while being admitted to the hospital.”
The Health Ministry said it was focusing on implementing COVID safe measures around those vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19.
“This includes escalating measures in hospitals, old people’s homes and facilities catering for disabled persons.
“As such, we expect to escalate screening protocols and masking for staff, patients and visitors.”
Three deaths from severe COVID-19 were also recorded.
“All three were elderly and had severe comorbidities. They all died within two days of admission.
“We are advising that the elderly, those with chronic disease, and children with disabilities need to receive four doses of the vaccine and measures need to be taken to ensure they are brought to hospital early if there is early indication of feeling unwell especially with respiratory symptoms.”