Fiji: Authorities continue most restrictions amid high COVID-19 activity as of July 3 /update 8

Event

Authorities have marginally reduced nationwide and localized controls despite elevated COVID-19 activity. As of July 3, the tightest restrictions are in place for the designated containment zone in Suva, Nausori, and Lami, where a curfew is in place 18:00-04:00; remaining Viti-Levu continues to enforce a 20:00-04:00 curfew. Transport remains limited in the area. Some nonessential businesses are allowed to reopen in the area if they apply for government approval and enforce social distancing measures. Gyms throughout the island of Viti Levu remain closed, and restaurants are only allowed to provide carryout services.

Nationwide business and gathering controls are in place. A nationwide 23:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect for all areas except containment zones. 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 travel between Viti Levu and other islands. The government allows residents from Vanua Levu and outlying islands to travel to Viti Levu for medical purposes or relocation with the Ministry of Transport's permission. Short-term travel between the islands remains banned. 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.