Physical distancing is still part of the conditions for approved businesses – Dr Fong

Physical distancing is still part of the conditions for approved businesses.

This has been highlighted by Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong when questioned if the 2 metres distancing for office seating still applies for low-risk businesses.

Dr Fong says they want the community workplace managers and business owners to take on the responsibility of being COVID safe.

He says physical distancing is supposed to apply everywhere as they are just reducing the mandates around it and this does not mean they are giving up on it.

It was announced as part of the progressive lifting of COVID restrictions that businesses, venues, and houses of worship may open at full capacity, with the exception of high-risk businesses, which must operate at 80% capacity.

It was also announced that high-risk businesses include cinemas, bars, taverns, gyms, hairdressing and salon services, tattoo parlours and gaming venues.

The careFIJI App and QR will not be required for entry into businesses and venues anymore.

The Vax Check tool is also no longer required for use by businesses.

When further asked if people should mask up when they go for a walk or run, Dr Fong says this is the kind of detail he has to sort out to only allow vigorous exercise without masking.

He says that he is working on that exemption together with others.

Fijivillage also questioned Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho if people should mask up when they go for a walk or run because some people have been stopped by officers and warned.

Qiliho says some people that they have warned were not in training gear.

He says they will be enforcing what will be printed out in the gazette.