Fiji: Authorities implementing 18:00-04:00 curfew in Viti Levu as of July 28 /update 9

Event

Fiji authorities are imposing an 18:00-04:00 nightly curfew across Viti Levu, which includes the capital, Suva, as of July 28 to curb the spread of COVID-19. All other areas of Fiji continue to enforce a 23:00-04:00 curfew. Authorities are implementing heightened restrictions in the designated containment zone in Suva and Nausori. Transport controls, as well as commercial restrictions on nonessential businesses, are ongoing in the area.

Nationwide business and gathering controls are in place. Public venues must ensure social distancing limits. Employers must ensure that employees and customers wear appropriate protective equipment, including facemasks, check temperature checks before entry, and consistently enforce 2-meter (6.5-foot) distancing. Workers must also download the government's careFiji mobile application to attend work. Companies must also post a quick response (QR) code at the entrance of all facilities and require patrons to check-in. Employers must provide equipment and smartphones for employees, if necessary, and provide health authorities information on absentee workers. Officials could issue a fine of up to FJD 10,000 and/or five years imprisonment for people violating the measures.

Officials continue to restrict domestic travel, especially within Viti Levu as well as between Viti Levu and other islands. People seeking to travel from the Central Division to the Western Division as well as from Viti Levu to the Northern Division must obtain government approval. Officials will give priority to travelers who received a second vaccination dose at least 14 days before applying for approval. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has suspended all nonessential 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 flights though some charter flights for repatriation, emergency medical purposes may be authorized. Foreign nationals cannot enter Fiji unless they first receive explicit authorization from Fijian immigration officials. Authorities require permitted 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 also requires passengers who 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, and health-related expenses are FJD 690. 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.