A group of six Chinese nationals, who were kept at the Melanesian Hotel in Nadi, have tested negative for the novel coronavirus. They have been cleared.

The confirmation was made by the Ministry of Health yesterday.

The group had transited through Fiji on Sunday 26th, January 2020 and were refused entry into Samoa because they did not have medical clearance.

Australia

The Australian High Commission has confirmed that they have held discussions with the Fijian Government regarding the situation in Wuhan, China.

This comes after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that they were preparing a plan for an operation to provide some assisted departures for isolated and vulnerable Australians in Wuhan City in the province of Hubei.

He said Australia would also work with Pacific Island nations to provide support where needed.

Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways announced yesterday that they would reduce some of their flights from Hong Kong in February and March due to the decline in demand from the region as a result of the coronavirus alert and mainland China travel restrictions.

A Fiji Airways spokesperson said due to the decline in demand, the reduction in capacity represents about 35 per cent of services to and from Hong Kong over those two months.

“The airline will continue to monitor the situation and further adjust schedules to and from Hong Kong if required.

“Fiji Airways will re-book impacted guests on other scheduled services, and will update them about the flight changes if booked directly with the airline. Guests booked through travel agents and third parties are encouraged to contact their respective agents.

“Presently, flight schedules to and from Singapore and Japan remain unchanged.”

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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