The Ministry of Local Government wishes to reiterate that municipal market vendors around the country need to wear their “face-masks” properly and in a correct manner.
With a Nausori market vendor testing positive for COVID-19 as one of the nine new cases announced by the Health Authorities on Wednesday, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Hon. Premila Kumar, stressed that the Ministry is concerned that some market vendors still did not know the correct way of wearing face-masks.
“Market vendors should cover their faces properly with the face-masks and not use them as a mouth guards. Often we see their masks do not cover their mouths,” Minister Kumar stated.
She stated that market vendors also have a responsibility towards ensuring that COVID-19 safety measures are put to action for the safety of themselves and the public at large.
It’s important that vendors should refuse to sell their produce to anyone not wearing the mask or if the mask does not cover the nose as well.
Similarly, consumers should refuse to buy from a vendor who is using the mask as a mouth guard or on their forehead or below the chin.
“The safety of the markets around all municipalities depends on the staff and the vendors operating in it. Market vendors are also vulnerable. They come in contact with other Fijians daily from all walks of life and it is imperative they stay protected and for the safety of others around them,” Minister Kumar stated.
The Minister further emphasised that market vendors need to take this matter seriously and if need be, they should wear double-masks for extra protection.
“We are fighting a crisis we have not seen before and we need every Fijian to play their part and follow simple life saving measures that our Health Authorities have announced. We cannot be complacent towards this virus as it is a matter of life and death,” the Minister stated.
Meanwhile, all councils have operationalized mini markets and main markets with strict COVID safe measures.
However, Fijians are encouraged to access the mini and satellite markets as much as possible within their locality to prevent unnecessary travel and overcrowding at the main markets.
“We request all vendors to keep the markets clean at all times. Vendors and anyone entering markets should have downloaded the careFIJI app and keep the Bluetooth on at all times for tracing any local transmission of the virus. It is also important to use hand sanitizers and practice social distancing of 2 meters from each other,” Minister Kumar said.