MANILA, Philippines — Food establishments in Manila can now resume their 24-hour takeout and delivery services, in an effort to protect the livelihood of people in the industry.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said on Wednesday that he had signed Executive Order No. 35 to allow food companies with 24-hour operations to resume takeouts and deliveries.
“[This is the city government’s] own little way to protect jobs of Manilans and to help businesses operate and survive the COVID-19 pandemic,” Moreno said in a statement.
“The City of Manila sees the need to slowly open the economy in the city, particularly in the food and restaurant industry and to balance this with the demand from the general public, which may serve as stimulus of economic growth,” he added.
Establishments in the food industry in Metro Manila were moving towards reviving their hampered operations due to the health crisis, allowing dine-in operations again when the government placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna under a modified enhanced community quarantine.
This effectively dwindled operations again as not only did food chains stopped dine-in operations, but they also had to shorten operating hours.
With the transition of those areas from an MECQ to a general community quarantine and with the latest executive order, Moreno believes that his order will help the city as the whole country grapples with new standards and regulations with the existence of the coronavirus.
“For the meantime, we must learn how to live while there is COVID-19, and at the same time, we must learn to go back to work safely and to discipline ourselves, for us to help stimulate our economy,” Moreno said.
“[All restaurants are] allowed to operate beyond the curfew hours of the city, provided that it shall cater only to those authorized persons outside of residence,” he added.
However, he reminded establishments to adhere to the health protocols set by various national government agencies, to avoid more coronavirus transmissions.
As of now, Manila has the second-highest number of coronavirus-infected patients, according to the Department of Health, which recorded 12,332 — although it also has one of the highest recovery rates at 63.8 percent.
“[All food establishments are] allowed to operate at 30 percent venue capacity, provided that it strictly adheres to minimum public health standards at all times as set by the government such as but not limited to social distancing protocols,” Moreno said.
“Food establishments should be compliant with the protocols prescribed by Department of Tourism, or by the joint guidelines issued by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Health,” he added.
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