Fiji nightmare

[flyfl]

Thankyou all once again.
Just to clarify that if you are on the main island there is no issues in getting a PCR test and most resorts provide this on site. However if you are on one of the other islands that is when you are in trouble.
To give you a bit more info, there is a dive shop and a resort owned by an American family in Taveuni, the owner was also lobbying on my behalf and was pretty upset with the testing guy but we couldn't get him to do a PCR.
I have done a second PCR test and waiting on the result, if it is negative I'll attempt to book and board a flight back home. I don't see how they will stop me.

 

[Tiki]

We have plans to visit Taveuni and Kadavu in May or June unless the Covid measures are too oppressive. If we spend the first night in Nadi and do that test, and the last 2 nights in IC Fiji for the required by Australia, do we still have to worry about tests on Taveuni and Kadavu?

 

[pjm99au]

We have plans to visit Taveuni and Kadavu in May or June unless the Covid measures are too oppressive. If we spend the first night in Nadi and do that test, and the last 2 nights in IC Fiji for the required by Australia, do we still have to worry about tests on Taveuni and Kadavu?

We returned from the IC on the 8th. It was fantastic and was dealing with Covid well. The IC was only doing tests between 8.30am and 12.30pm and are struggling to turn PCRs around in 48hours (96 hrs recommended) so the PCR on return could be problematic (if still required at that time)

 

[straitman]

We have plans to visit Taveuni and Kadavu in May or June unless the Covid measures are too oppressive. If we spend the first night in Nadi and do that test, and the last 2 nights in IC Fiji for the required by Australia, do we still have to worry about tests on Taveuni and Kadavu?

Simple answer is no but it will all change several times by May/June. The current requirement is an RA test on day 2 or 3. (not self administered)

The best and updated information is at Fiji Travel

 

[straitman]

We returned from the IC on the 8th. It was fantastic and was dealing with Covid well. The IC was only doing tests between 8.30am and 12.30pm and are struggling to turn PCRs around in 48hours (96 hrs recommended) so the PCR on return could be problematic (if still required at that time)

The PCR requirement is 72 hrs though Australia allows them out to 96 hrs by exemption.

 

[Rangalad]

No idea if they're open. Just seems the discrepancy in testing requirements would make them more attractive destination. Fiji is on the 96 hour pre-test list, a clear acknowledgement that in country testing has problems. It just points to some bureaucrat making up rules without thinking them through...

Vanuatu is closed at the moment.

 

[Pushka]

Not the only one.

Fiji holiday turns into Covid nightmare

After two years spent enduring rolling lockdowns and missing travel, Sydney woman Sonia Mehta*, 25, was eager to begin 2022 on her first solo trip overseas.

www.news.com.au

 

[straitman]

Thankyou all once again.
Just to clarify that if you are on the main island there is no issues in getting a PCR test and most resorts provide this on site. However if you are on one of the other islands that is when you are in trouble.
To give you a bit more info, there is a dive shop and a resort owned by an American family in Taveuni, the owner was also lobbying on my behalf and was pretty upset with the testing guy but we couldn't get him to do a PCR.
I have done a second PCR test and waiting on the result, if it is negative I'll attempt to book and board a flight back home. I don't see how they will stop me.

Did you get to fly home yesterday?

 

[N860CR]

Seems this will become very common. Just spoke to some family who are in Fiji at the moment. Due to fly back tomorrow, one of two has “tested positive”. Apparently this is widespread across the resort. Oddly, seems to be a case of one of two in a couple “testing positive”. Who knows if it’s dodgy testing, or it’s actually the case. I can’t see this little Fiji bubble lasting long at this rate. It’s just not worth the risk for most people.

 

[straitman]

Seems this will become very common. Just spoke to some family who are in Fiji at the moment. Due to fly back tomorrow, one of two has “tested positive”. Apparently this is widespread across the resort. Oddly, seems to be a case of one of two in a couple “testing positive”. Who knows if it’s dodgy testing, or it’s actually the case. I can’t see this little Fiji bubble lasting long at this rate. It’s just not worth the risk for most people.

Are you happy to post the resort/hotel name or even send it to me by PM? We do have a fairly high interest level in this as we are looking toward our trip home in the future.

Also I think the Fiji bubble will remain as these are but a small percentage of the people coming and going. Covid case numbers here are a lot less than in most Australian states. (pro rata of course)

 

[N860CR]

Are you happy to post the resort/hotel name or even send it to me by PM? We do have a fairly high interest level in this as we are looking toward our trip home in the future.

Also I think the Fiji bubble will remain as these are but a small percentage of the people coming and going. Covid case numbers here are a lot less than in most Australian states. (pro rata of course)

Marriott Momi Bay.

Apparently there are quite a number of Australian's isolating in the hotel at the moment. They're also charging about $300FJD per PCR test so it's proving to be quite expensive (DoubleTree, for reference sake, is charging $150).

Will be interesting to see how this progresses. Apparently they've requested another PCR test but if that comes back positive as well then it'll be a bit of a fight. For what it's worth, not a single symptom nor feeling the slightest bit unwell.

The issue is probably more than people are picking it up in Sydney during the time before departure or on the flight over. Australia then dumps its citizens overseas. Funnily enough, they only need to isolate in Fiji for 7 days but then still can't come home for another 7 after that.

 

[straitman]

Marriott Momi Bay.

Apparently there are quite a number of Australian's isolating in the hotel at the moment. They're also charging about $300FJD per PCR test so it's proving to be quite expensive (DoubleTree, for reference sake, is charging $150).

Will be interesting to see how this progresses. Apparently they've requested another PCR test but if that comes back positive as well then it'll be a bit of a fight. For what it's worth, not a single symptom nor feeling the slightest bit unwell.

The issue is probably more than people are picking it up in Sydney during the time before departure or on the flight over. Australia then dumps its citizens overseas. Funnily enough, they only need to isolate in Fiji for 7 days but then still can't come home for another 7 after that.

Yet another place to cross off the list IMHO.

$FJ150 is what we were expecting so thanks for the confirmation.

Re the +ve tests though it almost sounds like samples have been mixed up. Having said that we have and 80yo friend in Australia who is +ve and is totally asymptomatic also.

 

[N860CR]

Yet another place to cross off the list IMHO.

$FJ150 is what we were expecting so thanks for the confirmation.

Re the +ve tests though it almost sounds like samples have been mixed up. Having said that we have and 80yo friend in Australia who is +ve and is totally asymptomatic also.

It does sound a bit suss. The Marriott generously offers “isolation rooms”. And generously charges $550 per night!

 

[straitman]

Our plan is to check on the situation at the Hilton DT and if there are any signs of an issue we will stay here at Pacific Harbour (ie well away) and if necessary transit straight to our flight.

 

[N860CR]

Our plan is to check on the situation at the Hilton DT and if there are any signs of an issue we will stay here at Pacific Harbour (ie well away) and if necessary transit straight to our flight.

DT managed the testing quite well. They’ve got a room setup that’s basically an all day testing clinic. Results back quickly, fairly priced.

It does seem that the “appeal” of one-stop-covid-shop in Fiji can be a downfall. Once the positive test is in, everybody knows about it so there’s no escaping. If it happened, for instance, in London you’d have a bit more autonomy to evaluate, maybe get another test, if you have no symptoms be a little less covid-crazy, find a pdf editor….

 

[Tiki]

We returned from the IC on the 8th. It was fantastic and was dealing with Covid well. The IC was only doing tests between 8.30am and 12.30pm and are struggling to turn PCRs around in 48hours (96 hrs recommended) so the PCR on return could be problematic (if still required at that time)

How much does the IC charge for the PCR? I can get this hotel free with points so we will stay there on the last 2 days of the trip.

Is it obligatory to use the hotel's service? Can you go to a clinic in town if it's a lot cheaper?

 

[N860CR]

How much does the IC charge for the PCR? I can get this hotel free with points so we will stay there on the last 2 days of the trip.

Is it obligatory to use the hotel's service? Can you go to a clinic in town if it's a lot cheaper?

You’d be obliged to use the hotel for the arrival RAT, but the PCR for return could be done anyway.

I’m starting to think you’d be better off doing it out of the hotel anyway….

 

[drron]

How much does the IC charge for the PCR? I can get this hotel free with points so we will stay there on the last 2 days of the trip.

Is it obligatory to use the hotel's service? Can you go to a clinic in town if it's a lot cheaper?

No town near the IC. Certainly none that could do a PCR.

 

[straitman]

How much does the IC charge for the PCR? I can get this hotel free with points so we will stay there on the last 2 days of the trip.

Is it obligatory to use the hotel's service? Can you go to a clinic in town if it's a lot cheaper?

1. No idea
2. No
3. Yes

If we decide to stay at Pacific Harbour then head straight to the airport for our flight we have two options. Get our PCR tests here at $FJ250 each or go to a facility near Suva at a cost of $FJ150 each.

The $FJ250 at the resort is for the testers to come to us. The resort does not get a cut on that extra $FJ100.

 

[N860CR]

Sorry to hijack a thread, but I've been tasked with dealing with family overseas tonight so thought this may be of interest to those planning to head to Fiji.

I've been speaking at length with the "sick person" and their partner. Basically, the hotel in Fiji at the moment has an "isolation wing" that is currently made up of split couples (ie: husband/wife is postive, wife/husband is negative). Hotel is charging $550PN for the "isolation" room on top of whatever the partner is paying for the hotel room. Apparently, not a single person in the resort is physically sick, they're just testing "positive" on their return to Australian PCR (but negative on their arrival in Fiji RAT). The couple I'm talking to were on a 4 day trip so the RAT/PCR were simultaneous. Amazingly, different results.

The atmosphere in the resort is apparently absolutely toxic. The staff are simply saying to the "sick" people "it doesn't matter, your insurance covers it" and there is zero actual care being provided. There's a doctor in the resort at the moment who is kicking up a stink because his wife is "positive" and he is 110% sure the property is running an insurance scam. PCR testing is being charged at about $300 a go (so double the market rate) and there is real pushback to offering a second test for "confirmation". Apparently "isolation" guests are being treated like lepers. God help them if anyone is actually sick and needing care.

Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck....