Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar says it is concerning that some market vendors are trying to beat the system by producing fake vaccination cards and they have been warned and advised of the consequences of such actions.
She says while they are pleased to note remarkable progress where 74% market vendors have received their first jab, it is concerning to note that there are some markets where a large number of vendors have not taken their first jab despite raising extensive awareness on the need to vaccinate in order to sell in the markets.
Kumar says majority of unvaccinated vendors are from the Nausori Market where 542 or 49.9% vendors are unvaccinated while other markets include Lautoka, Labasa, Ba, and Laqere.
Kumar says 1,320 vendors are still not vaccinated as compared to 1,599 reported last week and they have been denied entry into the markets.
She says since the announcement of the ‘No Jab No Job’ policy, 74% or 3,829 market vendors in the Municipal Markets have received their first dose of vaccine and approximately 21% have received their second dose.
Kumar has acknowledged the effort made by the vendors at the Lami Market to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
