More than 6,800 Fijians living in the Lami-Suva-Nausori containment area have returned to work following the re-opening of businesses under COVID safe operation protocols.
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport says this will generate around $92.6 million in revenue.
The Ministry undertook a number of consultations with stakeholders to develop COVID safe protocols for businesses to be able to re-open.
As at 21st June, they received 2,245 applications for permit to operate essential businesses, 869 applications for movement of essential goods and 896 applications for curfew passes.
The Ministry says the permit to operate essential businesses covers businesses that are not in the essential business list and are not considered high risk.
This applies to businesses in the textile, clothing, footwear, and manufacturing sector, hairdressers and barbershops as well as construction operators.
They say the movement of essential goods passes are meant for businesses whose primary activity is the supply or transportation of essential goods such as fuel, food, and medicine.
The Ministry of Commerce is working with the Ministry of Health, FCCC, and the Fiji Police Force to monitor compliance to the COVID safe protocols for business operations.
A total of 1,069 businesses have been monitored so far with around 887 businesses complying with the protocols in place.
The Ministry says other businesses needed assistance and reminders on the implementation of these protocols.
