SHAKEY’S TAPS UNILAB UNIT FOR INFECTION CONTROL PROGRAM
As local restaurants resume dine-in operations, Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. has mapped out a long-term comprehensive coronavirus control program in all of its stores and facilities nationwide.
With most regions reopening for business following the shift to general community quarantine, Shakey’s said it was a top priority “to ensure a safe and healthy return to work while preventing the transmission of COVID-19.”
Shakey’s entered into a partnership with Relianceunited, a wholly owned subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant United Laboratories, to enhance health and safety measures in its workplace and manufacturing facilities.
Relianceunited, through its corporate clinic services provider Activeone, was mandated to provide Shakey’s with a COVID-19 infection control program that focuses on the long-term occupational safety and health measures, including future preparedness to curb the impact of the virus.
The integrated program also includes telemedicine hotline service available to Shakey’s employees. Services include telephone-based medical consultation and triaging, diagnostic testing, and daily monitoring of employee condition for any progression or regression.
Activeone is tapping into its pool of senior doctors and nurses to provide “competent and accessible medical care during this period of heightened paranoia and uncertainty.”
To reinforce protection of employees, individual testing, medical assessments and treatment will also be made available. For high-risk employees, a personal health protection plan will also be provided.
“Managing the risk of COVID-19 is more than just about testing. It is about delivering a comprehensive infection control program that triages and monitors symptomatic employees and assures those who go in that their work environment is kept safe. As SARS-COV-2 remains virulent, we are helping clients develop a strong understanding of how the virus spreads and how to prevent infection and avoid disruption to their operations,” said David San Pedro, president of Relianceunited.
“Safety will always remain our top priority, especially as we enter into the ‘new normal’ with the gradual resumption of dine in. Our philosophy is that guests must know, feel and see that they are safe. A crucial component of that is ensuring that our employees are safe as well,” said Vicente Gregorio, Shakey’s president and chief executive officer.
By institutionalizing what it described as sanitation procedures and social distancing measures that are aligned with World Health Organization recommendations, Shakey’s vowed to ensure the safety and well-being of its guests and employees with the resumption of dine-in operations.
Even with the resumption of dine-in services, Shakey’s said interaction with guests would be mostly contactless. Various safety protocols are likewise implemented throughout the guest journey—from temperature checks and provision of health declaration checklist upon entry, to contactless ordering procedure, regular sanitation of small wares and availability of noncash payment of options.
Safety guidelines and physical distancing will be strictly implemented in all guest interactions in dining tables and common areas, the company assured.
Managing the risk of COVID-19 is more than just about testing. It is about delivering a comprehensive infection control program that triages and monitors symptomatic employees David San Pedro President, Relianceunited