Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has announced that from today, cruise ships will be banned from berthing anywhere in Fiji, international events will not be allowed in Fiji and local events will be closed to all guests coming in from overseas.

While announcing new measures to battle COVID-19 or Coronavirus, Bainimarama says they also highly discourage all Fijians from travelling overseas.

He says if people do choose to travel anywhere outside of Fiji, they may be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to Fiji, even if they are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

Bainimarama adds this, of course, is already mandated for Fijians arriving home from nations on Fiji’s restricted travel list.

The Prime Minister says Ministers, civil servants, Permanent Secretaries and staff of statutory bodies will be restricted from travelling overseas barring exceptionally critical circumstances.

Bainimarama further says the travel restrictions on Italy, Iran, South Korea and mainland China remain in full effect, as do the stringent screening measures at international airports.

He says they plan to install thermal scanners at our international airports.

Bainimarama says these measures will all be subject to review as the global situation evolves.

He has also revealed that secure isolation facilities are up and running throughout Fiji, with the Central Division being served by Navua Hospital, the Western Division served by the Nadi Hospital, and Labasa Hospital serving the Northern Division.

Bainimarama says as they monitor the situation, more isolation units will be established as the need arises in accordance with the expansion plan.

He adds Fiji does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19.