The Fiji Police Force will now arrest people found loitering during the curfew period.
Government spokesman, Lt-Col Neumi Leweni this morning said many people in the central division are still moving about despite the announcement of the curfew. He said Police will now take people in.
The curfew is in place for the entire northern, eastern and central divisions.
Lt-Col Leweni said the only persons allowed to travel are those directly involved in essential services.
“Even these people have to secure official passes from the Police,” he said.
He said shop-owners are also directed to close their businesses immediately.
Lt-Col Leweni said Government is taking more stringent measures to ensure that no life is lost unnecessarily. He said the public must heed this warning.
“We don’t want to lose any life just because of people’s inability to heed the emergency warnings. It is for this reason that the Police will now arrest those seen on the roads without an official pass,” he said.
The curfew has been extended until 7.00am on Wednesday 17 March 2010.