If you are hosting an event at:

Independent Event Halls and Hire Venues:

The basic provisions remain intact such as masking up, two-metre physical distancing, habitual sanitising, and proper ventilation.

Adherence to these protocols will need to be signed off in order to obtain a Permit to Operate.

Venue operators can apply for ‘Permit to Operate for Independent Event Halls and Hire Venues’ on www.covidpass.mcttt.gov.fj.

Those venues which have been approved can host events, including weddings and other functions, at 80 per cent capacity as houses of worship, restaurants, hotels and resorts currently do.

The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, Fiji Police Force and Ministry of Health and Medical and Services are serving as our COVID Safe Ambassadors (CSA).

The CSAs are out there guiding and where necessary, issuing penalties whenever there is a breach of the protocols.

Outdoor Events

Fijians who want to host events outside in an open-air environment, like in a shed on a village greens or in their compound, for example, to host a wedding, funeral or birthday, must ensure they are compliant with all COVID-safe measures.

You do not need a permit or any specific certification to host these events, but you need to make sure that:

• the event is at 80 per cent capacity of the outdoor venue;
• everyone must wear a face covering at all times, unless eating;
• everyone maintains two-metre distance;
• there is no dancing, except by the members of a hired dance group or live band;
• strictly no sharing of utensils;
• keep sanitisers or hand washing facility for guests; and
• a register of all the guests with name and contact details is kept.

Remember the protocols and measures are in place for a reason – to protect you and your loved ones, whilst allowing you to have some semblance of a normal life.

Should you breach any of the protocols, CSA ambassadors can order the immediate closure of your function. And we will be randomly checking on these venues and events to ensure compliance.

So, to be clear, indoor events in venues with four walls with more than 20 people need a permit. Outdoor events do not need a permit, but the organisers must enforce COVID-safe measures or they will be shut down.