Fiji: Authorities tightening restrictions in Viti Levu from May 15 due to COVID-19 concerns; containment zones continue /update 5

Event

Authorities are enhancing restrictions in Viti Levu, Fiji, due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. The government will adjust an existing curfew on the island to 18:00-04:00 daily from May 15. Officials continue to designate Lami, Lautoka, Nadi, Nausori, Rakiraki, and Suva as containment zones. The government is advising residents in the affected zones to stay home unless traveling for essential reasons, such as purchasing food, banking, or attending work. Employers must provide documentation for critical employees to travel to work. Most nonessential businesses are closed within containment zones. Restaurants may only offer takeout and delivery services. Authorities have banned travel to and from the containment areas and erected checkpoints to monitor traffic. Transport for medical purposes is exempt from the controls. Public transport services inside containment zones operate at 50-percent capacity.

Existing measures will continue in other areas of the country. 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 will remain in effect; officers monitor roads during the curfew and send home people who are out without valid reasons, such as work or emergency purposes. Businesses with shift workers during curfew hours must provide employees with a letter with their work requirements and hours and an official contact number for verification. People who breach regulations could face fines or imprisonment.

The government has extended a ban on domestic flights until at least May 16. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has 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.

Travel Restrictions
The government has suspended all international commercial and repatriation flights until at least May 18, though some charter flights for emergency medical purposes may be authorized. Additional extensions are possible. Foreign nationals cannot enter Fiji unless they first receive explicit authorization from Fijian immigration officials. Authorities require allowed passengers to undergo a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. Arrivals from abroad 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 1,080), and health-related expenses are FJD 690 (USD 338). 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.