Life in Fiji is starting to return to normal as businesses re-open at 70 percent capacity starting from today but only for people who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation reported that people can now go to places such as tertiary institutions, houses of worship, hotels, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, gyms, pools, and tattoo parlours, among others.

However, authorities have warned that breaching COVID safe protocols will not be tolerated.

“This milestone in Fiji’s road to recovery cannot be compromised at any cost,” said Minister for Commerce, Faiyaz Koya.

“Most if not all businesses are now opening and we hope to see more Fijians return to work.”

“We’re hoping and wishing to see the business community’s compliance with all the COVID safe measures that have been put in place. The protocol provided for business is actually critically important and I must emphasize it’s something we will be monitoring very carefully.”

The number of new COVID-19 cases in the country continues to decrease with 34 recorded on October 3, as well as 1 death.

And vaccination rates have increased with 593,442 adults out of 618,173 people aged 18 and over (96%) inoculated with their first dose, while 462,441 (74.8%) have received their second dose according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

Around 17,996 children have also received their first dose of the vaccine as at September 24.

There are now 12,828 active COVID-19 cases in the country.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak that started in April 2021, there have been 51,132 cases and 631 deaths.