Pasig LGU allows grocery chain to reopen after submission of ‘action plan’

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto. INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Pasig City has allowed a grocery chain in Barangay Ugong, previously suspended for breaching distancing protocols, to operate again after submitting an “action plan” that the management will follow, also in consideration of workers who might be affected by the suspension.

However, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto stressed on Friday that Landers would be allowed to operate under the condition that they implement more stringent health protocols.

And if they fail to follow it again, the grocery’s operation would be suspended anew.

“After evaluation of the detailed ‘Action Plan’ submitted to us Thursday morning, we have decided to CONDITIONALLY allow Landers to open.  But if they fail to implement ANY PART of the said action plan, we will suspend them again,” Sotto said in a tweet.

After evaluation of the detailed "Action Plan" submitted to us Thursday morning, we have decided to CONDITIONALLY alllow Landers to open.

But if they fail to implement ANY PART of the said action plan, we will suspend them again.

Unemployment has risen dramatically and(cont.➡️) pic.twitter.com/E0huY7D8hN

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) July 24, 2020

“Unemployment has rise dramatically and we want businesses to be able to operate smoothly and give jobs to Pasigueños.  However, they must do so while implementing health/safety standards that will prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he added.

(➡️cont.) Unemployment has rise dramatically and we want businesses to be able to operate smoothly and give jobs to Pasigueños.

However, they must do so while implementing health/safety standards that will prevent the spread of covid-19.

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) July 24, 2020

Landers’ operations were ordered suspended last Tuesday, after undercover inspectors were sent inside the mall.  The inspectors took photos of at least eight shoppers crowding in an isle, which were not reprimanded by store personnel.

Sotto said that Landers promised to limit the number of people allowed inside the grocery facility, implement a foot traffic scheme were shoppers would have to travel the shop on a one-way scheme, while having staffers monitor each side of the isle.

Btw, the Landers Ugong Action Plan includes:
1. Limiting of customers allowed in the grocery;
2. Implementation of foot traffic scheme (no "uturn" allowed and with signages to direct foot traffic);
3. Staff monitoring on each aisle.

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) July 24, 2020

As of now, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pasig is at 1,443, with 103 patients dead and 705 recovered.

JPV