Government of Fiji announced a lockdown for parts of Fiji early this morning (4am FJT). The lockdown comes as the report of a 53-year-old woman registered a positive COVID-19 test result. The woman worked in a border quarantine facility but has since entered public spaces. She resides in Nadi, with a travel history in Nadi and Lautoka.
All members of her household have already been entered into quarantine. The government is awaiting the results of their COVID-19 tests.
The government says they are defining the Greater Nadi and Lautoka Area as the area spanning from Momi Junction and the Mulomulo Post bearing towards Sigatoka, to Nacilau, Vakabuli, and the Waiwai crossing bearing towards Ba.
Passenger travel out of this area has been halted by road, air, and sea.
Passenger travel into the area will be permitted over the next 24 hours for Fijians who reside within the Greater Nadi and Lautoka Area. However, those allowed to enter the area must head straight home and will not be allowed to come out of the lockdown area.
Within the Greater Nadi and Lautoka Area the Fiji Police Force is enforcing a 24-hour curfew. All Fijians are encouraged to stay home with public gatherings discouraged. The government is asking that no services should run except for essential medical services.
It is expected that an announcement later today will cover when essential businesses, including banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, and other essential service providers, may safely resume operation with strict physical distancing enforced. For now, all schools and businesses will be closed.
For the rest of Fiji, schools, workplaces, businesses and inter-island shipping services may remain open. However, the government encourages people to avoid non-essential travel and large gatherings. Outside of the Greater Nadi and Lautoka Area, curfew hours will remain from 11pm to 4am.