The nationwide lockdown will be lifted at 6pm today after the Cabinet approved the downgrading of the COVID-19 Alert Level to Level 2 allowing business to resume with limitations on public gatherings. 

In a special announcement at 10am Friday morning (local time), Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said the downgrade from Alert Level 3 to Level 2 is for the next two weeks. 

She said the changes in the COVID-19 Alert Levels follow test results for those in managed isolation confirming there is no community transmission. 

Those in quarantine and frontline workers had three tests, the Prime Minister said, and the numbers of infections remains at 27 positive cases with those in isolation being asymptomatic.

The Prime Minister said the changes to the State of Emergency Orders (S.O.E.) Orders become effective at 6pm on Friday but there will be a lot of restrictions and limitations. 

In terms of public gatherings – whether it be a church service, wedding, funeral or being at a nightclub – the crowd number is restricted to only 30 people with the 2 meters social distancing policy to be observed.

Public transport such as buses is restricted to only 20 passengers while the number of people in a taxi is limited to four individuals. 

Inter-island ferries will also resume but there is no restriction on the number of passengers and the shipping company is to ensure social distancing is observed during the journey.

All incoming and outgoing flights including repatriation flights with passengers are suspended until further notice with the exemption of cargo flights to bring in supplies. 

Schools will remain close and the various institutions are asked to use virtual learning.

The Police will enforce the S.O.E. Orders and ensure that children under 12 are banned from public gatherings and public places. 

The Ministry of Health will also roll out booster shots (third dose) and Pfizer vaccines for those in the 5-12 age bracket. 

The general public will also be required to carry their vaccination cards, wear face masks and observe the 2 meters social distancing rule. 

As for public servants, the Prime Minister said they will not be allowed into work places without vaccination cards or if they are not fully vaccinated.