Central Eastern Mini Bus Association President, Naresh Chand says if the government has directed them to maintain a 2 metres distance in the mini buses, then they will have to follow it even if it means that they will be carrying 1 passenger or not driving at all.
Chand says it will not be profitable and they may have to cease their operation until the government gives them the green light to carry passengers at full capacity.
Fijivillage has seen mini buses operating at full capacity.
When asked what the Association will do to these drivers, Chand says the drivers are aware of the directives and they need to follow it.
He adds law enforcement agencies must enforce the directives.
Viti Mini Buses Cooperative Limited founding member, Albert Jackson says they will follow the directives but they may have to cease operations because it is not viable.
He says if the operators have to adhere to the directives then automatically, they will not operate if they can only carry about 5 passengers.
Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says he would really like the Mini Buses Association to encourage their members to wear masks knowing that they are doing it for Fiji.
He says he really does not want to resort to mandating it and drivers can refuse passengers who are not wearing masks so that passengers can gradually start wearing masks.
All drivers and passengers will have to wear masks. Drivers will not be allowed to drive if they don't wear masks and people will not be allowed to board public transport if they do not have masks.
The Permanent Secretary says drivers and transport operators must make this sacrifice or they will not be operating at all.
If they do not follow the protocols, those businesses will be shut down.
Land Transport Authority officials will also be on the ground to enforce this.
