Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says they are looking at setting up satellite hospitals in Sigatoka and Rakiraki from today to cater for the services that are needed in the Western Division.

These services were formerly offered through the Lautoka Hospital.

Dr. Waqainabete says the passage of goods for essential services may happen but people cannot go into Lautoka or out.

The Health Minister says Doctors from the CWM Hospital have been assisting in the Western Division.

Dr. Waqainabete says that the rumors and fear mongering from a mental health perspective is not helping the mental health of the nation and it does not help the medical staff to focus.

He adds that when the first confirmed patient of COVID-19 presented himself at the Lautoka Hospital, the staff were very vigilant.