Taguig closes establishments ignoring minimum health standards

Several establishments in Taguig City have been ordered temporarily closed for allegedly disregarding minimum health standards put in place amid the threat of COVID-19.

“The city has temporarily closed several establishments that do not adhere to minimum health standards of the Safe City Task Force,” the city government said in a statement.

The city government also said the lives of Taguig residents are more important than the revenue raised from the operations of non-compliant establishments.

“Our primary duty as the local government is to protect and keep safe the people of Taguig,” it added.

The task force — set up by the city government to monitor the establishments' compliance with health protocols — said it has warned establishments of temporary closure if they breach the safety and health protocols.

“For those who are reckless and irresponsible, we want to be very clear — you must work within the guidelines set by public health experts to ensure the safety of the general public or face the full force of the law,” it said.

“Complaining about it on social media but not doing the actual work to keep your establishment safe, will not work,” it added.

The Safe City Task Force made the statement following some circulating social media posts about the closure of the establishments.

On the other hand, the task force commended establishments that are fully compliant.

“Let us always be reminded that these are not ordinary times. And we all need to do our part in order to save lives,” it said.

GMA News Online asked task force the total number of the temporarily closed establishments, but the group has yet to respond as of posting time. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News