Fiji

The cyclone caused widespread devastation, particularly in rural and maritime communities.

But even before this cyclone hit, Fiji, like the rest of the world were already fighting our own battle against COVID-19. Businesses have been affected and many have lost their jobs and are struggling to support their families.

This pandemic will continue to spread, and affect our people if not prevented.

Pacific Energy values the lives of every Fijian.

Wellington's response follows Fiji's announcement this week that it was hoping to establish a tourism bubble with Australia and New Zealand, to attract visitors.

Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said tourists could be contained and prevented from mixing with locals.

"VIP lanes - starting on the airplane, then from Nadi Airport onto designated transport to their designated resort or hotel where they'll remain throughout their stay", Mr Bainimarama said.

Fiji was identifying geographically-isolated resorts best suited for the Bula Bubble, he said.

Most sporting facilities have remained closed since March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, although some non-contact sports were allowed to resume on a recreational level last month.

It's been 65 days since the country confirmed their last new case of Covid-19 and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced yesterday that organised sport can now restart provided formal indoor and outdoor venues are restricted to 50 per cent capacity and physical distancing is maintained.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said Fiji was working on a "Bula Bubble", between his country, New Zealand and Australia.

Upon arrival, travellers would have to spend 14 days in Fiji government quarantine facilities and then be required to pass a Covid-19 test to enter the general public.

This would be at their own cost or that of their respective government.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said upon arrival the travelers must spend 14 days in Fijian government quarantine facilities and then pass a COVID-19 test to enter society, both at their own cost or the cost of their respective government.

“As our risk assessments evolve, we may expand this arrangement to Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, “Mr Bainimarama said in a briefing in Suva today (Sunday).

Bainimarama shared on his official twitter account that although Fiji’s testing numbers are climbing by the day, it’s now been 45 days since the country recorded its last case of coronavirus.

He adds that there have been no COVID-19 deaths and Fiji has recorded a 100% recovery rate through answered prayers, hard work, and affirmation of science.

FBC reports the Prime Minister is expected to make an official announcement later today.

Police said the 57-year-old man, who had recovered from the coronavirus, had earlier travelled to India.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho said the man, referred to as 'Patient Number Nine', had been charged with one count of failure to comply with orders.

Police believed he travelled from Nadi Airport to a settlement in Suva where he stayed a few days before boarding a ferry to Labasa.

Police said during the alleged breach of quarantine, the man infected five of his family members.

There are calls across the region for travel to be reinstated, possibly before a trans-Tasman bubble with Australia.

Ashley Bloomfield said the Ministry of Health hadn't yet been asked for advice about an arrangement.

"My own view is that the risks can be managed well, especially if we've got countries that have got good testing in place and we know that they haven't got any cases and the arrangements can be put in place for travel to and fro," Dr Bloomfield said.

The category four storm caused extensive flooding, damaged over 2000 homes and killed one person while injuring dozens of others

The Minister for National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, said 180,000 people had been impacted by the cyclone.

"The high cost in the infrastructure and utilities particularly road and water infrastructure although there was minimal damage to the EFL grid and high cost was also on housing sector because most of the houses were damaged."

The 59-year-old Singaporean citizen, Wong Tetchoong encountered problems after setting out in early February to sail across the Pacific ocean.

After learning international borders were closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and faced with currents too strong for him to turn back, Mr Wong sailed eastwards into the Pacific.

He was denied entry into Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands because of border restrictions.

The Fiji Sun reported he was also denied entry in Tuvalu, but locals provided him with food.