Plans to normalize movement between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu once 80% of eligible adults in Vanua Levu are vaccinated

Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong says they will be normalizing movement between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu once the second dose vaccine coverage in Vanua Levu is at an overall 80% of eligible adults.

He says the current coverage rates for the North are 91% for dose one and 70.4% for dose 2.

Doctor Fong adds the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in preparation for easing restrictions in the North has remodelled the health service provision.

He says they have a registration and pass issuance process that will facilitate their ability to maintain oversight over both home and facility-based quarantine.

Doctor Fong adds each traveller will be provided with the rules relating to quarantine and punitive measures will be applied if there is a verified breach in any of the quarantine conditions.

He also says community surveillance through test trace and track protocols is being escalated to help them identify and contain any outbreak early.

Doctor Fong adds registration and line listing of vulnerable persons especially in poorly vaccinated areas has been done;

He says they are also doing preparations for the monitoring of positive cases and vulnerable persons to ensure better access to appropriate care plans has been made.

Doctor Fong further says clinical care protocols for severe disease cases have been reviewed and strengthened.