Businesses that are deemed essential may qualify for movement passes during lockdown period - Ali

Businesses that are deemed essential may qualify for movement passes during the 24-hour curfew lockdown period.

The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Fiji Police Force to ensure essential services continue through this pandemic.

Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Trade, Shaheen Ali says they are working hard to ensure businesses such as selected manufacturing and emergency services are able to safely operate while keeping employees, clients, and the general public safe.

The essential businesses determined so far are food manufacturing, emergency, utility and telecommunications service providers.

He says that essential businesses can operate, provided employees are engaged from within the respective containment areas.

He says they are also working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure safe movement of goods that are essential for every day survival, as well as in emergencies through the maritime islands.

Ali says they have developed a set of mandatory COVID Safe protocols such as downloading the careFIJI app and providing employees with Personal Protective Equipment and transport to ensure these essential businesses can operate safely.

Ali adds they have a dedicated team set up who will be assessing applications and approving movement passes and business operations in line with the health protocols to operate during this period.

Essential businesses will now have to provide company and staff details to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport to get passes.

Applications can be made through covidbizpass@mcttt.gov.fj