After being closed for over a month now, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport (Ministry), is now considering safe operations of Hairdressers and Barber Shops in Viti Levu.
While Hairdressers and Barber Shops remain high-risk, given the high customer interaction and its close contact services, the Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, has developed protocols for safe operations of Hairdressing Services to allow its continuity.
These protocols will now apply to Hairdressers and Barber Shops that were operating in Vanua Levu and Maritime Islands, following the Hon. Prime Minister’s announcement on 29 May 2021. These Protocols will also apply to operators in Viti Levu. In addition, the Hairdressers and Barber Shops in Viti Levu will need to apply to the Ministry for a Permit to Operate.
The Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Shaheen Ali, stated that Hairdressers and Barber Shop operators all over Fiji must operate in accordance with the Protocol, whilst those operating on Viti Levu, must apply for a Permit to Operate. “For clarity, I wish to repeat that Hairdressers and Barbers Shops in Viti Levu need to apply for a Permit to Operate, in order to commence operation.”
This move takes into consideration the socio-economic imperative to allow more Fijian businesses to resume safe operations and earn a living, even in containment areas, with health and safety being paramount.
“While we have allowed businesses to resume, we are reminding business operators that it’s not ‘business-as-usual’. Every business, irrespective of being in a containment or non-containment zone, still needs to adopt minimum protocols. And that’s why, the Ministry has released Protocols for Safe Operations of Hairdressing Services,” said Permanent Secretary, Shaheen Ali.
While Hairdressers and Barber Shops on Vanua Levu and Maritime Islands must follow these protocols, those on Viti Levu must apply for a Permit to Operate. Hairdressers and Barber Shops in Viti Levu will not be allowed to operate until a permit has been issued. In order to get a permit, businesses need to firstly, agree and sign the Protocol for COVID-Safe Business Operations and Protocol for Safe Operations of Hairdressing Services and visit
www.covidpass.mcttt.gov.fj to lodge the application.
“The Protocol for Safe Operations of Hairdressing Services provides mandatory minimum parameters for safe operations. These include infection control, such as sanitisation of all high-touch points, equipment, including scissors, combs, brushes, chairs, hair wash basin, between clients. Employees and customers must wear masks at all times. The operations can only be on an appointment basis, which must be staggered. There should not be any crowding outside the shop and no walk-in customers should be served. The store must operate on a maximum capacity of 50 percent,” added the Permanent Secretary.
The Ministry, together with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Fiji Police Force, will continue monitoring for compliance. Continued breach of Protocols can lead to closure of business. Non-compliance to the Protocols is an offence and could lead to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years.
Moving forward, the Ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, will continue to assess and ascertain protocols to allow more businesses to operate safely in containment and non-containment areas.
The protocols are available on:
https://www.mcttt.gov.fj/covid-19-essential-business-and-movement/