Fiji extends 14-day travel restrictions to foreign nationals who have been present in South Korea

The Fijian Government says they have continued to closely monitor the global spread of COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus) and has widened its existing travel restrictions to cover all foreign nationals who have been present anywhere in South Korea within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.

The Permanent Secretary for Immigration Yogesh Karan says from today, Fiji’s borders will be closed to all foreign nationals who have been present in mainland China, Italy, Iran or South Korea within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.

Karan says all international air passengers are being screened with handheld temperature scanners prior to entering the country adding preparations are underway to introduce thermal scanners at our international airports.

He says their earlier-announced measures to medically screen cruise ship passengers remain in place as well.

Karan adds that as of yesterday, there are no confirmed cases of COVID- 19 in Fiji.

The Permanent Secretary says Fijians are strongly advised to avoid any non-essential travel to Italy, Iran, mainland China or South Korea.

He further says Fijians travelling to other countries with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 should exercise extreme caution through simple but effective steps to limit the spread of disease by washing their hands thoroughly with soap

and water, by avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and by avoiding close person-to-person contact, especially with those who are unwell.

He says government will continue to work in close cooperation with all international carriers to ensure that any travellers who fall under Fiji’s expanded travel restrictions are not permitted to board flights to Fiji.

Karan adds earlier-announced precautionary measures to maintain a hygienic environment and screen ill passengers will continue to be taken in-flight to further minimise any risk.

He says Fiji is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and is prepared to pursue more stringent courses of action if deemed necessary.