Foreign nationals who have been in Italy, Iran, or in Cheongdo county and Daegu city in South Korea, within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji will not be allowed into the country, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said in a statement last night.
And from Monday next week, Fiji will be screening all international air passengers with handheld temperature scanners.
He said in two to three weeks’ time, thermal scanners will be installed at the international airports.
From tomorrow all cruise ships entering Fijian waters will also be required to make the first berth at ports in Suva or Lautoka, where all passengers on board will undergo the earlier-announced medical and travel history checks.”
The PM said the global economy was taking a big hit from the spread of COVID-19, and Fiji would feel the impacts as well.
“In the meantime, our health officials are equipped and prepared to isolate and treat any case of the virus if it arrives in the country,” he said.
“In fact, we’ll soon have the capacity to quickly and accurately test for the virus here in Fiji, rather than send samples overseas.
“Every Fijian can aid our nationwide response, firstly, by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze and, if you are feeling unwell, immediately contact the Health Ministry on one of these numbers:
In the Central Division call 2219905;
In the Eastern Division call 2219906;
In the Western Division call 2219907; and
In the Northern Division call 2219908.
