Only essential and Ministry approved businesses can operate in containment zone - Ali

Only essential businesses and those businesses approved by the Ministry of Commerce can operate in containment zones.

While highlighting this, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Shaheen Ali says certain businesses that may comply with COVID-19 measures, will be approved to operate on a case by case basis.

He says they are in discussion with several businesses and are reasonably assured that some can now operate.

Ali says these businesses can establish a bubble that allows safe movement from home, to work and return.

He adds there will be some anxiety from the people in allowing businesses to open but after being closed for over a month, there is a socioeconomic impact.

The Permanent Secretary says these businesses are important to the economy and thousands rely on them for their livelihood.

Ali says many have export orders to fulfill and a number of them are extremely important to the micro and informal sector.

He says the curfew hours for the Lami to Nausori containment zone remains from 6pm to 4am and high-risk businesses remain closed.

Curfew hours for Viti Levu except the Lami-Nausori containment zone will be from 8pm to 4am.

The Permanent Secretary says his Ministry will be responsible for assessing applications for passes through the COVID pass portal (www.covidpass.mcttt.gov.fj).

He says these passes include curfew passes, movement of essential goods and permits to operate.