Home self-isolation for Fijians returning from countries listed on restricted travel list - Dr Waqainabete

Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete has made it clear that Fijians returning to the country from Fiji’s restricted travel list countries have to self-isolate or self-quarantine at their homes for 14 days.

He says the restricted travel list countries can change at any time based on local transmission and other issues so Fijians travelling back need to stay updated on information as it can change every hour based on global developments.

Doctor Waqainabete confirms that Fijians returning from Mainland China, South Korea, Italy, Iran or Spain are required to undergo mandatory self-quarantine or self-isolation for 14 days upon their arrival to Fiji.

The people will be given health contacts after they leave the airport and if they develop any symptoms, the Ministry will immediately deal with them.

He says personal hygiene is important and everyone should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and water.

If people present themselves with symptoms similar to COVID-19, then they can be isolated at the health facility and be tested.

Members of our disciplined forces are also going through a contact tracing workshop on how to deal with contact tracing if we have a confirmed COVID-19 case in Fiji.

The Health Minister confirms that 5 tests were conducted yesterday and all have returned negative while 5 others are being tested today.

Doctor Waqainabete says the number of people to have tests will continue to increase as anyone with similar symptoms to COVID-19 will be tested.

There are no confirmed cases at the moment. Fiji’s borders have been closed to all foreign nationals who have been present in Mainland China, South Korea, Italy, Iran or Spain within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.

All Fijians travelling overseas should be aware, if a country they visit is added to Fiji’s restricted travel list while they are abroad, they will also be required to undergo mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return to Fiji.

Fijians are also strongly urged to refrain from any non-essential overseas travel.