Laban Konsyumer: Allow senior citizens in dine-in establishments

Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) is pushing to allow senior citizens to eat in dine-in food establishments as the government moves to reopen the sector in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, LKI president Vic Dimagiba said senior citizens can significantly contribute to the recovery of dine-in restaurant businesses.

“Ilang percent ng kanilang kliyente nila ay senior citizen... Makakatulong sila sa recovery ng restaurants,” Dimagiba said.

The consumer group’s recommendation stems from the government’s directive that those aged 60 years old and above are not allowed to leave their homes since they are vulnerable from contracting COVID-19.

“Bakit po sa lahat ng quarantine classification ay bawal lumabas ang mga senior citizen?” he said.

The government, however, allows the elderly to go out if they are working or if they are going to buy essentials.

Dimagiba said the government should carefully consider allowing senior citizens in dine-in establishments since it will not be impossible for them not to comply with the strict protocols set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The DTI recommended the following protocols for dine-in establishments to follow:

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
• 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.)
   

Metro Manila will be under GCQ beginning June 1. —KG, GMA News