146 MM establishments breached health protocols

More than 140 business establishments in the National Capital Region were ordered to implement corrective measures for violating COVID-19 health protocols during the first quarter of the year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported yesterday.

The DTI said it issued requests for corrective action (RCAs) to 146 establishments in Metro Manila.

Of the number of establishments issued with RCAs, 89 complied within the prescribed time, 46 were endorsed to local government units for further action and investigation and 11 are awaiting corrective actions.

The DTI said the violations include lack of mandatory health declaration forms and thermal scanner at the establishment’s entry point, personnel not properly wearing face masks and shields while on duty and customers not observing physical distancing measures.

Of the 1,077 business establishments inspected in Metro Manila, the DTI said 931 were found compliant with health protocols.

“By protecting workers, customers and ourselves from the virus, we are also protecting and restoring our economy consciously,” DTI Undersecretary for consumer protection group Ruth Castelo said.

Castelo said non-compliance with health guidelines would have negative implications on the economy.

“We are urging businesses to follow the minimum health standards to fight the virus,” DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau director Ronnel Abrenica said.

The DTI encouraged the public to report business establishments breaking COVID-19 health protocols.

Consumers can report establishments that are not following health and safety standards by calling 1-DTI (1-384) hotline or sending e-mail to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, an estimated 12,000 people are expected to be inoculated daily at the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) in Parañaque City, which was converted into a vaccination site.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the conversion of the NPF’s vacant lot would help improve government’s efforts to accelerate the vaccination pace.

Once the space is turned into a vaccination site, it can accommodate 12,000 people per day, according to Puyat.