EOC to supermarkets, groceries, delivery services: Tighten implementation of health protocols

Food delivery workers continue to provide service despite the community quarantine declared by the Philippine government during the COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown in Manila on March 20, 2020. In Cebu City, the Emergency Operations Center has encouraged supermarkets, grocery stores, and those involved in the food delivery service to tighten the implementation of health protocols.(Photo by Maria TAN / AFP)

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) urged supermarkets, groceries, and delivery services to tighten their implementation of the health protocols as data trends see an increase of cases related to these industries.

Councilor Joel Garganera, the deputy chief implementor of the EOC said that there have been 260 positive cases with reported exposure to groceries and supermarkets and 30 suspected positive individuals whose only close contacts are delivery services.

Although the EOC said these establishments are not considered as the main source of transmission, the contact tracing data shows these are the industries that are common among positive cases.

For groceries and supermarkets, Garganera encouraged them to tighten the implementation of health protocols, especially during Holy Week.

The EOC expects more people to go to the groceries before Holy Thursday as establishments are expected to be closed from Holy Thursday to Black Saturday.

“Among giremind nila dili gyod ta molugak, labi na karong Semana Santa, magdasok ang mga tawo sa mga groceries kay expected na nga sirado. Moremind ta mahitungod sa capacity,” said Garganera.

The groceries and supermarkets are allowed up to 80 percent capacity but must maintain social distancing and the wearing of face masks and face shields.

The face masks and shields are important as customers may have the tendency to flock to a certain area or aisle in the establishment that can be beyond the control of the management.

The groceries are also encouraged to open more cashiers so that customers will not be stuck waiting in line.

As for delivery services, the drivers are encouraged to wear masks at all times when delivering goods. They must also constantly disinfect their hands and parcels.

If possible, they are encouraged to do contactless delivery such as leaving the goods at the doorstep or at a table depending on the preference of the customers.

Customers who will be receiving delivered goods should also disinfect their parcels and wear masks upon receiving the goods.

Garganera said the EOC has received positive responses from the groceries and supermarkets, as well as delivery services in the city. They said in a meeting that they will comply with the EOC’s request.

The EOC encouraged customers to report to them any establishment or delivery courier that violates health protocols through their hotlines.

The EOC warned establishments that they may face consequences for violating health protocols. /rcg