Fiji

Fiji sets up “Pacific Pathways” allowing travelers from Tonga, Tuvalu and Kiribati

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said upon arrival the travelers must spend 14 days in Fijian government quarantine facilities and then pass a COVID-19 test to enter society, both at their own cost or the cost of their respective government.

“As our risk assessments evolve, we may expand this arrangement to Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, “Mr Bainimarama said in a briefing in Suva today (Sunday).

Fiji clears last COVID-19 patient

Bainimarama shared on his official twitter account that although Fiji’s testing numbers are climbing by the day, it’s now been 45 days since the country recorded its last case of coronavirus.

He adds that there have been no COVID-19 deaths and Fiji has recorded a 100% recovery rate through answered prayers, hard work, and affirmation of science.

FBC reports the Prime Minister is expected to make an official announcement later today.

     

Nauru begins repatriating Nauruans from Fiji

The first repatriation flight was on Tuesday.

According to President, Lionel Aingimea, the second flight is scheduled for Friday to allow those currently in quarantine at the Meneñ Hotel to have their lab tests finalised and the rooms vacated, cleaned and disinfected for the new arrivals from Fiji.

About 140 passengers are expected for both flights.

President Aingimea said, Government-sponsored students were being accommodated at the homes of Nauru High Commission staff in Suva as they waited for the confirmation of the charter flights.

Fiji Covid-19 patient charged with breaching quarantine orders

Police said the 57-year-old man, who had recovered from the coronavirus, had earlier travelled to India.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho said the man, referred to as 'Patient Number Nine', had been charged with one count of failure to comply with orders.

Police believed he travelled from Nadi Airport to a settlement in Suva where he stayed a few days before boarding a ferry to Labasa.

Police said during the alleged breach of quarantine, the man infected five of his family members.

NZ health chief says Pacific bubble risks could be managed

There are calls across the region for travel to be reinstated, possibly before a trans-Tasman bubble with Australia.

Ashley Bloomfield said the Ministry of Health hadn't yet been asked for advice about an arrangement.

"My own view is that the risks can be managed well, especially if we've got countries that have got good testing in place and we know that they haven't got any cases and the arrangements can be put in place for travel to and fro," Dr Bloomfield said.

Fiji Govt says Cyclone Harold costs exceed $US40m

The category four storm caused extensive flooding, damaged over 2000 homes and killed one person while injuring dozens of others

The Minister for National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, said 180,000 people had been impacted by the cyclone.

"The high cost in the infrastructure and utilities particularly road and water infrastructure although there was minimal damage to the EFL grid and high cost was also on housing sector because most of the houses were damaged."

Singapore thanks Fiji for rescuing man at sea for months

The 59-year-old Singaporean citizen, Wong Tetchoong encountered problems after setting out in early February to sail across the Pacific ocean.

After learning international borders were closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and faced with currents too strong for him to turn back, Mr Wong sailed eastwards into the Pacific.

He was denied entry into Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands because of border restrictions.

The Fiji Sun reported he was also denied entry in Tuvalu, but locals provided him with food.

Fiji reels from dengue as it recovers from Covid-19 and cyclone

The country was still reeling from the devastation caused by Cyclone Harold last month and heavy rains last week.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said dengue was spread by mosquitoes which thrived in pools of still water that gathered after a storm.

He urged the public to work with health officials who were conducting a door-to-door LTDD campaign to tackle leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue and diarrhoea.

"LTDD and Covid-19 share the same symptoms and the same precautions can be taken to combat them."

Facebook barter page grows cash-free trade in Fiji and beyond

The no-cash, no commercial sales policy of the barter page was Ms Dutta's concept, responding to the lack of money and jobs as Covid-19 travel and trade restrictions set off economic shocks for Fiji and many other Pacific nations.

"I needed to do something positive and constructive...like most people, I was confused, scared of all the uncertainties, frustrated at people not following the directives and empty from not being able to spend time with family and friends," she said in a response sheet to the flood of media requests she's been taking.

New Zealand sends aid supplies to cyclone-hit Fiji

Cyclone Harold last week caused extensive damage on Fiji's remote southern islands.

Defence minister Ron Mark said the plane will deliver hygiene kits, shelter, tool kits, tarpaulins, satellite phones and portable generators.

Foreign affairs minister Winston Peters said the New Zealand government will consider further requests for assistance.

The plane will return with New Zealanders who have been stranded in Fiji by the Covid-19 lockdown in Suva.