The Suva and Lami special administrator chair, Isikeli Tikoduadua, has urged all vendors to get vaccinated because those without their first jab from August 1, will not be permitted to sell in the market.

Mr Tikoduadua said this goes for all markets under the Suva and Lami Councils, which includes the satellite markets in Raiwaqa, Bai­ley Bridge, Flagstaff and Nabua.

He said with the Government an­nouncing zero market fee for per­manent and temporary vendors, the council had started to profile the vendors and had a list of who the permanent vendors were.

“In Suva, we have temporary ven­dors who change week in and week out. With free fees, we expect to see more vendors coming into Suva,” he said.

“One of the requirements for sell­ing at the market is being vaccinat­ed for both temporary and perma­nent vendors.

“We are working with a timeline which requires people to be at least vaccinated with their first dose by August 1 and have had their second dose by October 31.”

Mr Tikoduadua said the logistical exercise for the checks is huge, but they had started working on it.

He said it was for the good of eve­ryone that they get vaccinated.

He said the COVID-safe protocols would continue at all market loca­tions and people are expected to adhere to them very strictly.

A similar stand has been taken by the Nasinu and Nausori Town Councils.

“We have formed a joint enforce­ment team with Fijian Competi­tion and Consumer Commission (FCCC) and Police,” said Nasinu and Nausori chief executive officer Anurashika Bari.

“This week the team is doing awareness on non-negotiable COV­ID-19 protocols in Nasinu and Nau­sori.

“They have observed many non-compliance to protocols. Soon FCCC and Police will start issuing notices and fines to businesses and individuals for non- compliance. Next week, we will aim to cover Korovou Town as well, creating awareness on non-negotiable COV­ID-19 protocols.”

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