21 Apr 2021

Community covid case sets back Fiji's travel bubble plans

From , 6:03 am on 21 April 2021

The threat of more Covid-19 cases in the community in Fiji has set back the country's plans to try and reopen its border to international travel, particularly from Australia and New Zealand.

Health authorities in Fiji are on high alert as they try to trace hundreds of people who may have come in contact with a woman who tested positive for Covid-19 positive over the weekend.

The woman, who worked at a quarantine facility in Nadi, reportedly contracted the virus from a soldier at the same facility.

After finding out she had been out and about in the community while infected local health authorities locked down the western division towns of Nadi and Lautoka, closed all schools around the country and banned all major public events.

Christine Rovoi has been following the events in Fiji and joins me now.

How has the new community case impacted the government's push to reopen its border?

Air Niugini and Fiji Airways parked at Nadi International Airport in Fiji

Air Niugini and Fiji Airways parked at Nadi International Airport in Fiji Photo: RNZI/Sally Round