Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar says disinfecting and cleaning work has been increased in all municipal council areas, especially in Lautoka.
Kumar says the use of gloves for cleaning has always been the practice and orders for the increased use of masks and protective gear have been made.
She says councils are working closely with the NFA to assist with water blasting.
Kumar says markets are being assessed on a case by case basis and sections that are enclosed with little ventilation are being closed.
The Minister says that vendors are being better spaced and some vendors are now working on rotation as cleanliness and adequate ventilation is paramount to how markets will be operating.
Some markets will be moved in whole or in part - out of doors or onto verandas. She adds that overcrowding is to be controlled and more marquees will be provided as and where needed.
Kumar says the municipal councils have been directed to keep municipal markets, council offices and other council facilities clean, safe and well ventilated and to institute social distancing at customer service counters.
She adds that the municipal councils have been instructed to show local leadership and only share accurate information from the Ministry of Health and WHO on how to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus.
The Councils have now been advised not to book any events for their facilities for more than 20 people for meetings and other events.
