Eleven establishments found compliant with minimum public health standards received their Safety Seal certificates from the Bacolod City government Nov. 8.
The recipients include Jollibee-Lopue’s East Centre, Jollibee Bonifacio, UCC Coffee, School for Creative Beginners, CityMall-Mandalagan, Mang Inasal CityMall-Mandalagan, Mang Inasal-Ayala Malls, Penshoppe Ayala Malls, Our Home at SM City, Miniso-SM, and Levi’s, also at SM City, Safety Seal Committee chair, Stela Rose Rayos, said.
These establishments, like the others that earlier received their certificates, were commended by Mayor Evelio Leonardia for doing their part in the fight against COVID-19.
The Safety Seal Certification Program was launched to affirm and acknowledge that an establishment or public transportation unit is compliant with minimum health standards, is using or has integrated the StaySafe.ph with its contact-tracing method, and has business permits or franchise.
Safety Seal holders are allowed an additional 10 percent onsite capacity beyond the prescribed capacity percentage, as per Resolution No. 127-A, series of 2021, of the national Inter-Agency Task Force.
Rayos said that more establishments will be issued similar certificates in the next few weeks, a press release from the city said yesterday.
For online application, those interested may visit the Facebook Page of the Bacolod Permits Division.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City logged only 15 new COVID-19 cases Nov. 9, and the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force said that, based on real time data, 84 percent of Bacolodnons have already received their first dose of the vaccines against the coronavirus.
Dr. Chris Sorongon, EOC-TF deputy for medical, data analysis, and management, said that fully vaccinated residents and those who received their first jab combined, account for 58 percent of the target population for inoculation.
On Monday, Leonardia also reported that the city only had 18 cases, the lowest since Aug. 14.
Sorongon and EOC-TF executive director Em Legaspi-Ang attributed the decrease to the intensified vaccination efforts among the pediatric population, and the ongoing house-to-house campaign and vaccination drive in puroks and remotest areas of Bacolod, on top of the aggressive contact-tracing and testing or swab-all policy, the city said.
These are the reasons why Bacolod is experiencing a steady decline in COVID cases, they explained.
The Department of Health COVID status report also placed the city under Alert Level 2, Sorongon said, as he expressed confidence that the national IATF will downgrade the city’s quarantine Alert Level Status 4 by Nov. 15.
“However, we need not be complacent as we continue to open our economy and relax some restrictions. We have to still observe minimum health protocols, actively participate in the city’s vaccination program, go for an early consultation, early detection and seek early treatment and, more importantly, stay at home,” Sorongon emphasized.
He also said that minors are still not allowed in malls, except for those getting their shots against COVID.
Sorongon said that minors 12 to 17 years old must be allowed entry in malls only for vaccination purposes.
“The executive order (of Leonardia) disallowing those under 18 years old and above 65 years old is still in effect. Minors will only be allowed entry in malls for vaccination; after that, they have to go home,” he stressed.
Mall managers said they will meet with their security team for run through and clarifications of protocols, as some admitted that there has been confusion over the Alert Level Status of Bacolod.
Ang said that parents can bring their children 12 to 17 years old to get vaccinated at SM City and Ayala Malls.
Children with comorbidities may get vaccinated at Robinsons Place.
“In preparation for the face-to-face classes that will soon resume, parents are encouraged to get their children protected against COVID-19,” Ang said. | NND
