DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. has encouraged its members to continue with their business activities albeit with caution in the light of the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic and the corresponding quarantine and lockdown advisories issued by various local government units.
“We would encourage you to continue your business activities while observing strict social distancing and hygiene procedures which experts believe is the only way we can control the spread of COVID- 19,” DCCCII President John Carlo Tria said through DCCCII’s COVID-19 Advisory No 1.
The advisory was issued in line with Mayor Sara Duterte’s Executive Order No. 10, in relation to Presidential Proclamation 922 which placed the country in a State of Public Health Emergency in relation to National Security.
Under EO No 10 and 11, Sara declared a community quarantine and a partial lockdown at the Lasang checkpoint to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the city.
Tria directed Chamber members to “prepare a staffing procedure that assumes a flexible work plan and work from home plan to assume a reduced number of staff in office.”
He also urged the business sector to make use of the internet and increase their online engagement through online meetings as well as online and electronic commerce where they will be able to “sell, trade and make payments and fund transfers through electronic commerce channels and social media.”
“This does not only make it simple, but also protects your staff from possibly contaminated cash,” he said.
Tria said business should also observe safe cargo practices which means they should “observe precautions and instruct clients to do the unloading to prevent exposure to their drivers and delivery personnel, who we suggest must remain in the vehicle to prevent transmission.”
Businesses can also opt for delivery services although he cautioned them to “engage legitimate product and food delivery services.” Make sure you engage those which possess the necessary permits such as the DICT – PEMEDES delivery permit and domestic shippers accreditation by the Department of Trade and Industry, he added.
He reminded restaurants and food establishments to adhere to food safety standards and procedures implemented by the city. These include sterilizing utensils for use and the use of personal protective equipment such as masks.
“The City is prescribing all citizens to bring their own utensils and plates. Upon consultation with infectious disease specialists, the provision of buffet set ups is likewise highly discouraged,” he said.
“The earlier we control this pandemic, the faster we will be able to resume normal operations,” Tria said.
March 16, 2020 – Monday 6:03 PM by
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