The Fiji Police Force says it will arrest people and businesses failing to follow physical distancing in containment zones effective from tonight.

This includes the Suva, Lami, Nadi, Nausori and the Lautoka containment areas.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, confirmed this to FBC News this afternoon following a meeting with the Suva City Council.

Tudravu says any business in a public space that does not have markings for physical distancing will be answerable to the law.

“Identification of marks that needs to be done there. If that is not complied with and then, we can make arrests on that as it is empowered under the legal notice.”

Tudravu says the same applies to those not practicing the measures in place.

“If members of the public do not adhere to that, then they can be taken in.”

Suva City Council Chair Isikeli Tikoduadua says the efforts had been made to create utmost awareness in the communities, and enforcement shall now be greatly strengthened.

He says movement within the concentrated zones, in particular the Supermarkets areas, shall be effectively managed.

He says SCC with immediate effect, will hold a meeting with Supermarket Managers to ensure that the foot traffic generated outside the Supermarkets are effectively managed and controlled as per the COVID 19 guidelines established.

Tikoduadua adds the footpaths at strategic locations will be marked by the Business Centers, Fiji Roads Authority and the Suva City Council.

He says they will also be working closely with Police to ensure that the same measures are stringently applied at the Suva Market and the Suva Bus Station.