SUVA Retailers Meet To Discuss Business Opening Plans

The Suva Retailers Association will meet today to dis­cuss plans of when busi­nesses in Suva could open.

It is likely to start open­ing next month, but un­der strict conditions.

Many shops have been closed for more than three months. The out­break in April this year of the Delta variant of COVID-19 meant many businesses were to cease operations if not consid­ered essential.

Association president Jitesh Patel said they would have to consider a lot of risk factors when heading towards this di­rection. He said this was necessary as retailers and employees had been without work.

“We have to consider having some motion within the economy. There are mixed opin­ions among the retailers, but a general consensus is on having businesses open,” he said.

Mr Patel opened his shop, CK’s Easy Buy and Suva Bargain in Waimanu Road, Suva yesterday. He and his staff set foot inside the store after three months.

“Employees are anx­ious to get back to work. And if the budget is passed, people will have spending power as well,” he said.

Suva and Lami special administrator Isikeli Tikoduadua said the council welcomed the resumption of business­es. He said it was im­perative that businesses which open have COVID-safe practices in place.