The COVID-19 pandemic calls for a new way of living and working through strengthened SBO measures, adaption of work arrangements and management. Businesses must adopt effective prevention and control strategies based on a thorough workplace hazard assessment. By using appropriate combinations of safe work practices or administrative controls and personal hygiene practices to prevent exposures. These are very important steps to consider because the protection of workers, will support the recovery of the economy.

The Government of Vanuatu through the Ministry of Health and Border Control continues to support by putting measures in place as a priority for everyone. The Government continues to roll out business training in the COVID Safe Business Operations (SBO) Guidelines, facilitated by the Department of Tourism, targeting tourism businesses to comply with the required health and safety standards at workplaces. The training was funded by the Government of Australia, in partnership with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in Vanuatu.

This industry accreditation program directly links with the national COVID-19 preparedness standards set by Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health. This will help prepare tourism businesses for the return of international visitors when border restrictions are lifted. The training is design to help navigate the challenges employers and their workforce are facing and to have better understanding of the essential services and guidance they need to get through this tough times.

The Department of Tourism is committed to delivering COVID SBO awareness to help the tourism industry operators and workforce prepared in this Pandemic, and to give confidence to the market, and make sure both employers & employees operate in a safe work environment. And more importantly, for workers to feel safe every time they are back to work and embrace a new reality.