Fiji: Fiji Airways extends flight suspensions through June 30 /update 6

Event

On Saturday, May 9, Fiji Airways announced that the current flight suspension will be extended until Tuesday, June 30, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Furthermore, the company warned in its statement that the July services will be reduced due to lower demand and ongoing border restrictions. Further flight-related information to be announced in the near future. 

As of Monday, April 27, Fiji Airways has resumed domestic flight operations following the lifting of restrictions on interisland travel amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The airline will operate three flights a week between Nadi International Airport (NAN) and Nausori Airport (SUV) to Taveuni Airport (TVU) and Savusavu Airport (SVU). Fiji Link will also operate one weekly flight to Vunisea Airport (KDV), Vanuabalavu Airport (VBV), Cicia Airport (ICI), Koro Airport (KXF), and Lakeba Airport (LKB). Passengers with bookings during the flight suspension will be able to rebook their flights at no additional cost and are encouraged to bring their own personal protective equipment (PPE).

A nationwide curfew remains in effect between 22:00 and 05:00 (local time) and those placed under quarantine are instructed to remain isolated for 28 days. Public gatherings remain prohibited, and public spaces such as nightclubs, gyms, cinemas, and swimming pools remain closed. A lockdown has also been introduced at the Vunicagi Settlement until Thursday, May 14. Screening programs will also be expanded to Ba, Labasa, Korovou, Nadi, Savusavu, Sigatoka, and Tavua. 

As of May 9, Fiji has confirmed 18 cases of COVID-19 within its borders and no associated deaths.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.