Businesses will comply with orders: Scovell

PNG Manufacturers Council chief executive officer Chey Scovell says the surge in the Covid-19 cases in the National Capital District has not been a cause for panic for businesses.
Responding to queries from The National, Scovell said businesses would continue to comply with the Covid-19 orders enforced by the National Pandemic controller.
He said in the food manufacturing sector alone, strong safety measures were already in place before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Businesses will continue to comply with orders set by the controller, and it should be noted again that food manufacturers have strong food safety systems in place prior to the Covid-19,” he said.
“These measures, with additional ones such as temperature checking and increased spacing in the workplace, will remain.
“The reported cases have not been a cause of panic for business, nor should it be for our public.
“As per the advice of our medical experts, we are not immune
so we need to maintain good hygiene practices and seek medical help for those showing symptoms.
“Businesses are sourcing and supplying masks and as per the order will do their best to ensure compliance on their premises.
“There was some confusion around the wording in the order of no interaction with customers.
“This is broad, but business believe this to be physical (hugs, handshaking, etc…) and not processing a payment at a checkout.”
When asked on the impact of the spike in the Covid-19 case to businesses in NCD, Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rio Fiocco said: “It is too early to say at this stage as we don’t know what additional measures will be implemented.
“Businesses have adapted to the new normal and most have provided masks and hand sanitisers for their staff.”