Fijians who have not been to any of the four countries on the COVID-19 black­list can return home without restric­tions.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Yogesh Karan, said the re­strictions applied to individuals who had travelled to China, Italy, South Korea, Spain and Iran.

He made the clarification to clear misunder­standing and confusion on the issue.

“Fijians do not need to self-quarantine themselves, however, irrespective of whether you are a foreigner or local, you will have to be screened at the airport, at the arrival,” he said.

“If you are cleared then you are safe. You can go on as normal, but if something is de­tected, then Immigration officers will hand him or her to the Ministry of Health officials there.”

Mr Karan also highlighted that Fijians would need to follow measures in place in or­der not to risk others.

“It is not only for your own safety but others as well, so if you are screened and detected you will be quarantined,” he said.

Mr Karan said they were in close contact with all the Fijian missions abroad.

“We have asked them to take necessary pre­cautions and to simply follow the directives and regulations of the country they serve in,” he said.

“The Geneva Office has been closed from last week and the ambassador and her team have been working from home.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had stated earlier that this was no time for panic but prudence.

“Let’s remember our people’s wellbeing, our economic security and the preservation of our way of life. We are all in this togeth­er,” he said. Edited by Naisa Koroi

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