No lockdown, no change to curfew – Koya

Minister for Commerce, Faiyaz Koya says they are not locking down any communities, the curfew is not changing, businesses are not being shut, the borders are not closing and schools are not closing either.

He highlighted this while announcing new fines and penalties to ensure strict adherence to COVID-safe measures this afternoon.

Koya says because the Omicron variant does not present the same level of threat to our highly-vaccinated population, the majority of the health measures are not changing.

Koya says all public service vehicles including inter-island vessels must operate at 80% capacity and ensure that all passengers are wearing masks.

He says high-risk businesses must verify vaccination status of the visitor, client or customer using the VAX-Check Tool and adhere to COVID-safe practices.

The Minister has stressed businesses and offices must display a QR code and ensure that staff, visitors and customers scan before entering the premises and a manual register must be maintained for those who do not have a smartphone.

He adds businesses must prominently display at all points of entry a signage on the maximum allowable capacity and ensure that all COVID safe measures are followed and conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks for visitors, clients and customers on the business premises. Koya says they will not hesitate to fine people, revoke permits to operate or shut down businesses, including hotels that blatantly disregard any COVID safe measures.