Returning citizens to pay costs

14-DAY MANDATORY QUARANTINE

RETURNING Fijian citizens have to pay $2890 in accommodation and government fees for the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

In a new advisory, the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) has classified them as non-repatriated Fijian citizens who hold Fijian passports.

These are Fijians who travelled overseas, those who have dual citizenship and those who are permanent residents of another country.

“These charges will depend on the quarantine facility and will average approximately $2200,” the

CRMT advisory said.

CRMT said an additional $690 would need to be paid to the Health Ministry for testing, transfers and surveillance.

“This cost is charged to cover for the COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab test which is $300 per test.”

The advisory said $20 per person transfer cost is charged to facilitate secured transport under COVID safe guidelines by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services designated transportation from the airport to the designated quarantine facility.

“A fee of $70 per person is charged to cater for the monitoring and surveillance services provided at the quarantine facilities by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

“This is to ensure that there are no breaches in the quarantine and to protect the Fijian community.”

The advisory said all accommodation and meal charges were to be paid directly to the quarantine facilities by non-repatriated Fijian citizens.

“Hotel bookings must be done by the travellers prior to departure.”

Hotels listed as quarantine facilities are Tanoa International Hotel, Nasau Resort and Villas, Nalagi Hotel and Resorts, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa (Private) and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.

These charges will depend on the quarantine facility and will average approximately $2200 – CRMT advisory