Businesses want lockdown – survey

A MAJORITY of participants in a Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) business assessment survey called for a total lockdown of up to three weeks.

According to the survey report of businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis, current containment efforts were not effective.

“The COVID outbreak is not being contained effectively by containment efforts and a good number of respondents have called for total lockdown of up to three weeks,” the survey report read.

“Vaccination programs need to be fast-tracked and accelerated.

“And all agreed with the no jab, no job policy.

“The vaccination program is to be supported and some have called for compulsory COVID-19 vaccination.

“A majority supported total lockdown to contain the virus and stop the spread.”

The NCCI members also called for financial support to be provided to affected businesses.

“Most requested for financial support and grants from the Government to keep their people employed.

“Other measures requested by majority include rent reduction to be considered by landlords, restaurants to be allowed in-dining with COVID safety protocols, relaxation by banks on loan repayments, loan restructuring and reduction on loan rates.

“Interest on loans to be frozen as well as the EFL to consider special rates on charges and perhaps consider domestic rates.”

The group also requested the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service relax tax payments on a case by case basis.