Social gatherings in Fiji homes and communities are now limited to 20 people as the Government moved this week to contain the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the country.
Police ensure Covid-19 protocols are observed by the public. Photo: Fiji govt
As of 10 January, there were 4,863 active cases in isolation - of both the Omicron and Delta variants - with the death toll at 714.
Since Fiji's international borders reopened on 1 December, gatherings of up to 100 people had been allowed.
But Fiji's Tourism and Trade Minister Faiyaz Koya said the key measures against Covid-19 are to contain the Omicron variant's transmission.
"You should follow these rules. Not because we demand it of you or we will fine you, but because they are proven to work at protecting you from contracting Covid-19.
"So please get boosted and get back to the basics of Covid safety so we can get through this challenge together and get on with our economic recovery."
Koya said those who fail to follow the health protocols will be punished.
Business owners urged to follow the rules
Businesses in Fiji that fail to comply with the Government's revised Covid-19 measures face hefty fines and will be forced to shut down.
From Tuesday, businesses that do not conduct vaccination checks and ensure customers observe the 2-metre distance will be fined close to $US500.
Photo: AFP
Faiyaz Koya told a media conference that venues approved to operate under Covid-19 protocols can host events at 80 percent capacity.
"A business that is issued one infringement notice could face double the fine or for the second notice together with the closure of business.
This is actually a final warning to everyone that non-compliance will simply not be tolerated."
He said the authorities will not hesitate to fine people or shut down businesses including hotels if necessary.
Koya said those who fail to wear a mask in the required settings will be fined $US120.
"For the failure to conduct temperature checks, the fine for individuals will be $US120 and $US470 for businesses who fail to verify vaccination status.
Fiji's Health Ministry is also urging the public to get their booster shots of the Covid-19 vaccine.
It reported on Monday that 92.4 percent of the adult population were fully vaccinated while
Health Secretary James Fong said 92.4 percent of the adult population were fully vaccinated, while 97.9 percent have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Fiji, which has a population of around 900,000, reported its first confirmed coronavirus infection in March 2020. It was hit by the second wave of Covid-19 in April last year.
Fiji has had 57,849 Covid-19 cases since March 2020, with 57,779 of them from the April outbreak.
Fiji security forces inspect cars at a security check post at a residential area as they enforce face mask protocols in Fiji's capital Suva. Photo: AFP