Fiji: Authorities declare additional containment zones, including Suva, as of April 26 /update 2

Event

Authorities have declared three containment zones in Lami, Suva, and Nausori in Central Division, southeastern Viti Levu, from April 26 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Lami containment zone encompasses an area from Wainadoi to Tamavua-i-Wai. The Suva containment zone is in place from Tamavua-i-Wai to 8 Miles Bridge, while the Nausori containment zone incorporates the area from 8 Miles Bridge to Logani Village. Additionally, authorities have divided the ongoing containment area in Nadi and Lautoka into two zones. The Nadi zone starts from Momi Junction and ends at Lomolomo Police Post, and the Lautoka zone begins at Lomolomo Police Post and ends at Nacilau. The containment zones will remain in place for at least 14 days.

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. Restaurants may only provide takeaway 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. Cargo deliveries are occurring via checkpoints, but the government has prohibited deliveries inside the containment zone. Public transport services inside containment zones will continue at 50-percent capacity.

Other nationwide restrictions remain in effect. 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.

Officials have suspended all domestic flights until May 2. 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.

Travel Restrictions
The government has suspended all international commercial and repatriation flights until at least May 2, though some travel for medical purposes may be possible. 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 1,079), 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.