“Fiji is creating what the government calls safe lanes for yachts and pleasure craft that wish to "escape the Covid-19 pandemic in paradise".
“A month after the launch of Fiji's so-called 'Blue Lanes' initiative, the first vessel berthed at the Port Denarau Marina in Nadi.
“The government said the Renegade, which sailed from New Zealand, had two people onboard and it was expecting the arrival of 100 more boats amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With its supposed 'Bula Bubble' travel scheme with New Zealand and Australia yet to get off the ground, the Blue Lanes begins what the government hopes will be the ailing tourism industry's road to recovery.
“The requirements for the 'Blue Lanes' are strict, with boat owners first having to complete 14 days or longer uninterrupted quarantine at sea. Vessels must not stop at any other port on their way to Fiji.
“Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said boat owners must also show proof of a negative test result for Covid-19.
“Mr Bainimarama said everyone onboard would need to undergo screening by Fiji health officials once they were allowed through the lanes.”
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