Travelers on boats from Viti Levu to Eastern division maritime islands that are currently experiencing disease outbreaks will be restricted to travelers for essential services only.

These include teachers, nurses, Government staff on official trips, those workers (and their families) who are getting posted or transferred to the islands, and permanent island residents who came to Viti Levu for the holidays and are returning to their homes without the need to come back to Viti Levu in the immediate future.

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong said the measure is to limit unnecessary population movement into the islands as the Ministry is now facing challenges in the medical evacuation of COVID cases to the main hospitals in Viti Levu.

He said the operations of the contracted medevac providers are also affected by the current outbreak.

Dr Fong also outlined the following which comes into effect today:

• Travelers on boats from the Eastern division islands to Viti Levu who have been identified as positive cases or close contacts of cases will be required to complete 10 days of isolation in their homes on the islands, be symptoms free, and with no pre-departure testing required before they are allowed to board the boat back to Viti Levu. Our team on the islands will ensure that these amended protocols are adhered to to protect the traveling population as well as the limited health care capacity on these islands.

• Travelers on boats between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu: In light of the high prevalence of COVID-19 in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, the Ministry will not require pre-departure testing before traveling to Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. However, strict adherence to personal COVID safe measures during the travel such as mandatory masking, personal hand gel for hand hygiene and ships to ensure the soap is available throughout the trip, careFIJI app on, and passengers are fully vaccinated with 2 or more doses. Ministry officials will be closely monitoring the implementation of the new travel protocols.

Advice to the public on COVID safe measures

Dr Fong said the festive season has brought about the significant movement of people as families reunite to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

“Gatherings have been observed where COVID-safe measures have not been followed, or people have attended while having symptoms. We ask that if you have relaxed in your observance of COVID safe measures, that you please resume now.

“Always carry a well-fitted mask when you leave home, and wear it in any public indoor settings and outdoor settings where there are crowds. Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Maintain at least 2 metres of physical distancing from others when outside your home. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

“Stay home and do not attend any gatherings if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. And get vaccinated if you are eligible and have not yet been vaccinated. And get a booster dose if you are over the age of 18, but especially if you are at higher risk of severe disease.”