Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has announced the downgrading of the COVID-19 Alert Level 2 to Level 1 effective Friday 6pm and advised that out of the 31 active COVID-19 cases 4 individuals have fully recovered. 

The change to the country's national response to the virus follows three (Level 3 & Level 2) weeks of restrictions that closed schools and limiting public gatherings to 30 people amongst other measures. 

Fiame said the two weeks of mandatory measures such as wearing masks became a norm and was necessary as part of the Government's preventative measures. The Alert Level 1 will start after 6pm Friday. 

She acknowledged the extensive support from the country for the measures. 

The other 48 passengers from the 19 January charter flight from Brisbane, Australia all tested negative consistently and have been released from quarantine, Fiame added. 

The amendment to State of Emergency (S.O.E.) Orders includes the resumption of classes for schools nationwide and the ban on children under 12 years of age from public places being lifted. 

Opening hours for supermarkets, shops and other services have been extended from 6am to 12 midnight from Monday to Saturday. The fish market and Fugalei market is to open from 4am to 9am on Sundays while pharmacies and petrol stations open from 12pm in the afternoon. 

The ban on nightclubs, bars and restaurants have also been lifted under the Alert Level 1. 

Fiame said local travel by sea or air has resumed while overseas travels is subject to Cabinet endorsement.