French Ambassador to Fiji praises Fiji’s response to battle COVID-19

French Ambassador to Fiji, Jean-Francois Fitou has praised Fiji’s response to battle COVID-19.

Fitou says Fiji has taken the right measures at the right time and has also praised Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

He says that the Fijians are well protected adding that other countries like France are less fortunate.

The Ambassador says it is a privilege for people living in Fiji.

France has around 8000 cases of COVID-19, 200 deaths due to the virus and 700 people are in ICU.

Meanwhile, France has suspended visa applications to France and other French Territories until further notice.

Fitou says the French TTService will no longer accept any application whether it is tourist, diplomatic or long stay visa.

Fitou says the exceptions can be made for very specific cases, only at the embassy in which case applicants will have to to contact directly.

He adds all appointments will be closed until further notice and he is asking all the applicants who have already booked an appointment to report their visa applications to a later date.

Fitou says French nationals and people who have permit to live in France are allowed to return to France adding they will have to self-isolate.

He further says that Fijians in France including rugby players do not have COVID-19.