Fiji’s decision to lift the national curfew is owed to changes implemented in New Zealand.

That was the word from Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association chief executive officer, Fantasha Lockington, yesterday.

“The announcement follows New Zealand finally putting solid dates to their planned reopening by the third quarter of this year,” she said.

“All these measures, following on from the carefully planned, safe reopening of our international borders, continue to reinforce Fiji’s commitment to safety.”

“These measures make Fiji a much more attractive and easier destination to travel to, whilst ensuring we spread the tourism impact further around the country”.

Meanwhile, Tourism Fiji said effective from today:
–  Visitors from travel partner countries over the age of 12 years, now have the option to use a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of flight scheduled departure, as opposed to the more expensive PCR test, to enter Fiji.

–  Lifting of the nationwide curfew, which was initiated on March19, 2020.

– From Monday this week, all vehicles, such as buses, vans and taxis can operate at full capacity. However, mask-wearing is still being enforced.

– Businesses and venues that may be visited by tourists can now open at full capacity, with the exception of the likes of cinemas, bars and gyms which can operate at 80 per cent capacity.

– Nightclubs will not be allowed to operate but taverns may open until 1am at 80 per cent capacity throughout Fiji, provided that seating is properly spaced out, dancing is not allowed, and all areas are well ventilated.

– Indoor and outdoor sporting events, including competitive sports, may be held with spectators at 80 per cent capacity provided those spectators wear masks.

– You will no longer require the care- FIJI App and QR in order to enter a business/venue anymore as contact tracing is no longer being used as part of COVID-19 response.

– The Vax Check tool is also no longer required for use by businesses given that Fiji is a highly vaccinated society.

–  The phasing out of the three-day Care Fiji Certified accommodation requirement for arrivals into Fiji. Tourism Fiji chief executive officer,
Brent Hill, said the national announcement followed the already welcome recent changes such as:
– RAT tests to return to Australia,

– reduced isolation protocols, and

– nine new travel partner countries.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj