Over 20 businesses have closed down in Labasa from today and people are not following COVID-19 protocols.
This has been confirmed by the President of the Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Satish Kumar.
The businesses that have been closed down include barbershops, beauty salons, massage therapy venues, gyms, cyber cafes, movie theaters, video gaming shops and billiard shops.
Kumar says it is sad that although Labasa does not have any COVID cases, some businesses had to be closed down, however following the guidelines given by the Ministry of Health and taking precautions is important.
He says although some people are following COVID-19 protocols, there are many people who are not following it.
Kumar says some people are wearing masks as mouthguards which is below their nose or even below their mouth.
He is urging people to follow the protocols as the ministry and police are working hard on raising awareness on how to wear masks properly.
He says those who do not wear masks and do not have the careFIJI app are not allowed inside shops, while those who do not have smartphones must enter their details manually.
