Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong says they are considering ease of travel restrictions to maritime islands at 80 per cent fully vac­cination rate.

Dr Fong said this would be done with careful consideration with the implemen­tation of strict COVID-safe protocols.

“We are looking at having at least 80 per cent second dose coverage, but we will need to make sure that we are aware of low coverage areas and specifically miti­gate those areas,” Dr Fong said.

He added that should there be ease of restrictions on maritime travel, the Prime Minister would announce it in due course.

Maritime islands Covid cases

Meanwhile, in his last update on Thurs­day night, 19 new cases were recorded in the villages of Muani, Nakunakoro and Namalata on Kadavu Island bringing the total number of cases to 577 cases.

Of these, 554 cases have recovered, and the remaining 21 active cases are moni­tored by the health team.

Dr Fong said no new cases were report­ed on Malolo Island, Naviti Island, Waya Island, Nacula Medical Area in Yasawa, Ovalau and Beqa on Thursday.