Health restrictions that were enforced to curb Fiji’s increasing COVID-19 cases in the past months have been eased.
The much-awaited announcement was made by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in his Fiji Day address yesterday.
The PM noted that curfew would now be from 11pm to 4am since more than 80 per cent of adults were now fully vaccinated and once 90 per cent of adults were fully vaccinated, the curfew hours would be from midnight to 4 am.
He said the curfew would lift entirely once the data would show the virus was no longer a serious public health threat.
Mr Bainimarama said all businesses, workplaces including public transportation could operate at 80 per cent capacity to children and fully vaccinated adults and the only exceptions to this relaxation were taverns, bars, and gaming venues.
A new set of protocols would be announced on November 11 to allow these venues to safely re-open to fully vaccinated individuals from November 11.
The PM said all venues must use the new VAX-Check tool to verify the vaccine status of their patrons.
Mr Bainimarama said anyone who was fully vaccinated would now be able to travel to Vanua Levu by boat or by air.
Travellers, however, must register a negative COVID-19 test result on the Rapid COVID-19 Test before travel and upon arrival, they must immediately enter home quarantine for a period of seven days.
Mr Bainimarama said travel to the other islands would still be maintained under the current protocols and easing of restrictions would be implemented once there was increased rates of vaccination.
“From November 11, we will open regular inter-island travel if – and only if – vaccination rates continue to steadily rise in the Northern Division and the maritime islands.”
The PM added contact sports could start and funerals, weddings, birthdays and other events could be held outdoors without restrictions on the number in attendance.
Indoor venues, however, could operate at 80 per cent capacity, and everyone at the event must be fully vaccinated.
