6 MALLS IN PAMPANGA CAPITAL GET SAFETY SEAL

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Six malls in this capital of Pampanga province have received the government-issued Safety Seal for the efficient implementation of safety and health protocols against the coronavirus disease in their premises.

SM City Pampanga, SM Downtown, SM Telabastagan, Robinsons Starmills, Waltermart and Vista Mall displayed the seal at their respective entrances on Friday.

The malls complied with a checklist provided by San Fernando’s certification program as prescribed by Memorandum Circular No. 2021-053 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to Dr. Carlos Mercado, city health chief.

Checklist

Among the practices in the program’s checklist are use of contact-tracing tools, use of temperature or thermal scanners, availability of isolation areas for symptomatic employees, as well as routine disinfection of the facilities.

The seal granted to the malls is valid for six months, but it can be revoked if a verified complaint is filed against the facility.

The memorandum authorizes local governments and a team from the DILG, the police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection to inspect and monitor establishments including wet markets, retail stores, restaurants outside hotels and resorts, fast food stores, eateries, coffee shops, and banks.

Highest number

The City of San Fernando reported the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pampanga, logging a total 4,295 infections as of June 3.

The disease has killed 158 residents, although 4,254 patients have recovered.

Around 535 patients are still classified as active cases.

—CONTRIBUTED PHOTO SAFE PLACE This safety seal issued by the local government after inspection and monitoring assures the public that protocols against COVID-19 are being enforced in an establishment.