MCCI prexy urges biz owners to heed safety protocols

THE Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) reminded its members to follow Covid-19 safety protocols following the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) warning to revoke safety seal certifications or suspend business permits of businesses that violate safety measures.

With the easing of restrictions now being enjoyed by the business community, safety measures must be observed to sustain its momentum, MCCI president Steven Yu said.

“We would like to remind our members and the business community in general to continue adhering to the existing health and safety protocols required by the Inter-Agency Task Force to sustain the gains of reopening that we have attained so far, and enjoy a more joyous and less restrictive Christmas season,” Yu said.

While a lot remains to be done to reach the economic activity of the pre-pandemic level, Yu said “any increase in the velocity of money this holiday season can help businesses buy time to eventually regain their sustainability and vitality in the next years.”

Yu further said: “Our long term success hinges on our present efforts to keep the virus at bay while reopening many sectors of the economy, and adhering to health and safety protocols is at the core of it.”

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya in national reports said businesses that fail to implement the necessary standards will face sanctions like the revocation of safety seal certifications or business permit suspension.

This, after the agency received reports of commercial establishments going beyond the capacity or not asking for the vaccination cards of those customers who will dine-in.

Cebu is under Alert Level 2, which means that 50 percent capacity for indoor venues is allowed, while 70 percent capacity is allowed for outdoor venues.

Based on the guidelines set by the government, all establishments must ensure that their customers and workers are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The establishments, especially those venues for meetings and exhibitions, parties, tourist attractions, amusement parks and recreational venues, must have a safety seal certification issued by the government.