Fiji: Authorities further tighten restrictions in Fiji as of April 23 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 1

Event

Authorities have tightened measures in Fiji due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Health staff has prohibited access to Waicoka Village in Tailevu after discovering a COVID-19 case in the area. Checkpoints are in place. Officials have also expanded regulations on so-called high-risk businesses, such as theaters, gyms, and bars, to the entire island of Viti Levu. These establishments must remain closed until at least May 3. Restaurants can only operate for delivery and takeaway services.

Officials have suspended all domestic flights from Viti Levu to Vanua Levu and outlying islands until further notice. Fiji Link is operating inbound flights to Viti Levu via Nausori International Airport (SUV), but passengers cannot leave the island after entering. The government has also suspended all international repatriation flights, though some flights are possible for medical purposes. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has also suspended all outbound maritime passenger transport from Viti Levu. Inter-island cargo services continue; captains of vessels must register with MSAF and only offload cargo in designated areas. Cargo truck drivers may also continue to operate inter-island deliveries but must always remain in their vehicles while on Vanua Levu and outlying islands. After completing deliveries, drivers must return to a designated location to await return ferries.

Other nationwide restrictions remain in effect until at least May 3. Religious and other public gatherings are banned, though funerals may take place with up to 20 people. Businesses must enforce contact tracing, either by requiring patrons to use the government's careFIJi mobile application or collecting information manually. All schools remain closed. A 23:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect; officers are monitoring roads during the curfew and will send home people who are without valid reasons, such as work or emergency purposes. Businesses with shift workers during curfew hours must provide employees with a letter on their work requirements and hours and an official contact number for verification. People who breach regulations could face fines or imprisonment.

Movement restrictions continue in Greater Nadi and Lautoka. Officials are permitting limited movement within the containment area. Residents can continue to leave home for critical reasons, such as purchasing food, banking, or attending work. Most businesses can resume operations; factories and retail outlets must adhere to COVID-19 distancing measures for employees and customers. Customer-facing companies must limit capacity to 50 percent. The government has also banned travel to and from the containment area and erected checkpoints to monitor traffic. Cargo deliveries are occurring via these checkpoints, but the government has prohibited deliveries inside the containment zone. Officials permit transit through the containment area for flights departing Nadi International Airport (NAN). Passengers must arrive at checkpoints to Nadi and Lautoka at least four hours before their flight and present a negative COVID-19 test result and a copy of their itinerary; the military will arrange transfer from the checkpoint to the NAN.

Travel Restrictions
Most international commercial flights remain suspended. Repatriation flights are occurring, but authorities will cap entrance numbers for visitors until the situation stabilizes. Officials require allowed passengers to undergo a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. Returning residents must quarantine for 14 days, download the careFiji app, and undergo COVID-19 testing after arrival and on day 12 of quarantine. The government is also requiring passengers that are not repatriating to pay for quarantine and health monitoring costs, with various exceptions. While charges for quarantine can vary, authorities indicate the average expense is FJD 2,200 (USD 1,085), and health-related expenses are FJD 690 (USD 340). The government has called on Fijian nationals to suspend outbound travel. Cruise ships remain banned from docking.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.