Some changes have been made overnight to the MCTTT Guidelines. Principally they are:
(a) the inclusion of “primary produce and municipal markets” and “insurance companies” as essential businesses,
(b) some clarity that businesses identified as “essential or supporting industries” do not require the “permit to operate”, and
(c) that “approved manufacturing and businesses outside of the essential business list, not being high risk business, need to apply for approval before operating”. A “permit to operate” will need to be sought in this instance if within a Government-declared containment zone.
Concerns have been raised about the requirement to refuse entry to customers who don’t have the careFiji app because they do not carry a smartphone. This is an issue both for the customers involved and for businesses who may have to turn away customers or whose frontline staff may be at risk of confrontation with unhappy customers if forced to turn them away. We have raised concerns with the Ministry and suggested that it specifically permit the previous practice of requiring customers without smartphones to manually register before entering the premises.
It is to be expected that the Guidelines and COVID Safe Protocols will change in response to feedback so it is important to check the MCTTT website regularly. We will try to keep you informed on any material updates.
Please contact Richard Naidu or Glenis Yee for further information on this Alert.
Disclaimer
The information and opinions in this Legal Alert are for general information purposes only. They are not intended as specific legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon or treated as a substitute for specific advice. Munro Leys can accept no responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on the general information contained in this Legal Alert.