Business owners in Tagaytay City are divided over the decision of Mayor Agnes Tolentino to lift her order requiring all tourism-related establishments to close on Mondays for disinfection to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.
A baker, who sells online cakes and pastries, expressed concern over the effects of the latest order to residents and tourists. She said the once-a-week closure for clean up and disinfection should continue amid the pandemic.
“As a concerned local citizen, I am after the welfare of my fellow Tagaytayeños plus the fact that the city is already saturated with outsiders and tourists even on weekdays,” the baker, who asked not to be named to protect her business, said in an online interview on Sunday.
Another business owner, who also requested not to be identified for the same reason, agreed that closing one day a week for disinfection was important for operators of tourism-related establishments for the safety and protection of the public.
On Jan. 26, Tolentino issued Executive Order No. 355 that required restaurants, hotels, theme and amusement parks, souvenir and gift shops, and other establishments frequently visited by tourists to close every Monday for disinfection.
The order also covered spas and wellness centers, salons and barber shops, travel agencies and gyms/fitness centers.
Good news
On Feb. 11, Tolentino issued Executive Order No. 358 rescinding EO 355 and lifting the Monday closure of businesses on Feb. 22.
Other business establishments, however, saw the new order as good news.
Hidden Paradise at La Bella, an accommodation facility, announced on its Facebook page on Sunday that it would be accepting again Monday guests.
“Rest assured that we are following Airbnb’s five-step enhanced cleaning process for the safety of everyone,” it said.
Luxury Day Massage & Spa Tagaytay also announced its Monday opening on Facebook.
As of Saturday, Tagaytay reported only two active virus carriers. It has recorded a total of 255 cases since the pandemic struck in March last year, with 246 recoveries and seven deaths.
Despite the lifting of EO 355 and the drop in COVID-19 infections in the city, Tolentino stressed the need to strictly implement health protocols in local businesses as safety measures during the weekend rush of tourists. INQ