BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
SHOP-OWNERS and market managers in Gizo, Noro and Munda have been urged to be vigilant and make efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Deputy Chairperson of Western Province Disaster Operation Committee (WPDOC), Patrick Toiraena said COVID continues to pose a risk to the general public, thus cooperation in public facilities such as markets and shops is vital.
He calls on market managers and securities to ensure people’s movement within market areas satisfies COVID Safety Protocols.
“Market days as approved by WPDOC are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This is applicable to Noro, Gizo, and Munda.
“It is important that vendors and customers must wear masks at all times within the market area.
“Social Distancing, Wearing of Masks and frequent use of hand Sanitizers is important.
“I suggest vendors must have their own hand sanitizers as money transactions pose a threat to transmitting the virus,” Toiraena said.
He said overcrowding at the market and shops is not acceptable as it increases the risk for transmission.
Toiraena adds that a similar approach must be established in shops.
“Five people are allowed to enter and buy at small shops while up to 10 people can enter bigger shops to buy goods.
“Every shop must provide hand sanitizers and allocate spacing of 2 meters apart for customers,” he said.
Toiraena said such measures will ensure the public is safe and hopefully bring the number of cases down in Western Province.
