Buffet bars could be allowed to reopen under different setup –DTI

Buffet bars and services can be allowed to resume operations but their self-service setup needs to be modified, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Saturday.

“Original setup ng buffet hindi kasama kasi naka-expose ang pagkain,” Lopez said in an interview on Dobol sa News TV.

“Pero kung may situation ito ay nakatakip at may server, ito ay puwede rin naman ang ganitong setup,” he added.

Earlier, the government said dine-in services in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), can resume starting June 15, but at 30% operating capacity. 

Resumption of dine-in services was earlier approved in areas under modified general community quarantine, but at 50% capacity only.

However, the government had pointed out that buffets and self-service food bars remain prohibited.

According to Lopez, the most ideal setup in dine-in services is still customers will have to be seated and wait for their food to be served.

Below are the DTI’s recommended protocols for dine-in services:

Entrance

The following information shall be posted at the entrance and other conspicuous areas:

•         Enforcement of a no mask, no entry policy
•         Social distancing protocols of the establishment
•         Regular sanitation schedule and procedures (a 10-minute interval for sanitation in between customers dining-in is required
•         Availability of alternative methods of ordering and picking-up of orders (e.g., online, via text)
•         Client-personnel interaction protocols
•         Enforcement measures for clients who refuse to comply with the protocols in a manner consistent with the law
•     Floor mat or foot bath with disinfectant
•     Mandatory use of thermal scanner
•     Alcohol that can be easily sprayed on the hands of customers dining in
•     A health checklist given to customers which includes spaces for name and contact details in case of contact-tracing becomes necessary
•     Wearing of face mask and observance of social distancing at all times

Workplace - equipment

•     Properly-sanitized tables and chairs (after each customer’s use)
•     Distancing of tables and chairs at least one meter apart on all sides

ADVERTISEMENT

•     Visible floor markings for guidance of clients in queuing
•     Proper ventilation in the establishment
•     Sanitizing equipment and tools that are visible to, and can be accessed by customers
•     Pieces of furniture that are made of porous materials are covered in plastic for ease of sanitation

Workplace - personnel

•     No personnel with COVID-19 symptoms, or with exposure to COVID-19 patients shall be allowed to work
•     No wearing of pieces of jewelry
•     Observance of proper personal hygiene
•     Strict observance of social distancing measures in all parts of the establishment including counter, kitchen, and back areas
•     Frequent handwashing/sanitizing
•     Mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment such as mask, face shield, gloves, hair caps
•     Mandatory wearing of closed shoes
•     Observance of proper disposal of disposable equipment, utensils, and plates
•     Observance and enforcement of client-personnel interaction protocols
•     Mandatory declaration of health and whereabouts prior to every duty in case contact tracing becomes necessary

Workplace - stations

•     Self service/customer refill station is highly discouraged
•     Provision of designated area for take away/ pick up
•     Provision of separate handwashing sink/basin for kitchen staff

Exit

•     No physical contact during payment as personnel are provided with small tray for accepting cash, and establishments are encouraged to offer alternative modes of payment such as credit card, non-cash digital payment if applicable
•     Regular sanitation of high-contact areas and surfaces (e.g., pens used for filling out forms, door handles, common tables, chairs, etc.)

—LBG, GMA News