A number of factory workers may be turned away from work today if they fail to produce evidence of their fourth COVID-19 booster shot, it has been revealed.

Performance Flotation Development, a textile manufacturer that exports to Australia and New Zealand, has mandated its staff show proof of the fourth booster shot, before entering the company’s Nabua premises from today.

Co-owner, Mike Towler, said the move was an effort to stay ahead of the COVID-19 virus, with B4 and B5 variants in Fiji.

It comes on the heels of COVID-positive results among a growing number of workers of an even larger manufacturer in the Central Division.

The company in question has since said the matter was contained and it was business as usual.

Meanwhile, Mr Towler said the latest strain of the COVID-19 variant, combined with the flu, brought with it productivity costs as workers took about a week to recover.

Other COVID SAFE practices, such as hand hygiene and masks will be reintroduced at Performance Flotation Development, he said.

Mr Towler is president of the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council, a sector that generates an average of around $100 million a year in export revenue.

The council employs around 7000 workers, and comprises 50 members.

Mr Towler has strongly recommended the same measures be implemented among council members.

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