The tourism industry has pulled together to deliver vaccine and medical resources to the Yasawa Islands, in a move to help keep the island locals safe as the mainland continues the fight against COVID-19.
Fiji’s drive to fully vaccinate its targeted population continued last week with South Sea Cruises working alongside Sea Mercy, a non-profit charity, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to deliver nearly 4,000 vaccines, PPE, and other essential medical equipment to the Yasawa Islands.
These vaccines once administered will ensure the people of this idyllic island chain are able to receive their first dose and begin their protection against COVID-19.
South Sea Cruises & Blue Lagoon Cruises CEO, Brad Rutherford stated that “the Yasawa Islands are an integral part of Fiji’s tourism landscape and it’s vitally important that South Sea Cruises plays a pivotal role in best protecting the beautiful people of Yasawa against the impacts of COVID-19”.
Rutherford went onto state that “South Sea Cruises is working alongside the charity Sea Mercy, Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the various accommodation operators in the Yasawa Islands who have worked collectively over the past couple of weeks to rally their resources to make this vaccination drive happen.”
“The Tourism industry in Fiji has continuously shown up to support the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in the vaccination campaign. We were delighted to hear about this collaboration and also send our thanks to the people of the Yasawa Islands for doing their bit to keep Fiji safe.” adds Brent Hill, CEO Tourism Fiji.
Fiji has now administered a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to 75.2% of the nation’s targeted adult population, whilst 16.6% are now fully vaccinated.
As the virus continues to be contained on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, the delivery of vaccines to the Yasawa Islands, a region normally popular with international visitors, is a positive step forward in protecting Fiji’s outer islands.
The additional effort around the country is putting Fiji on track to having all eligible Fijians fully vaccinated by October.