DTI reminds dine-in services owners to be cautious as partial reopening starts

As the partial reopening of dine-in services starts on Monday, the Department of Trade and Industry reminded restaurant and food establishment owners to be careful in operating their businesses in light of the COVID-19 threat.

Interviewed on GMA News' Unang Balita, DTI Undersecretary Boy Vizmonte advised the business owners to observe the protocols set by the government to avoid possible transmission of the virus.

“Doon naman sa mga merong restaurant, sana ibayong pag-iingat. Sundin natin 'yung mga alituntunin na inilabas ng DTI at ng gobyerno upang  maiwasan natin ang contamination ng COVID,” he said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force has ordered the DTI, Department of Tourism, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to monitor the dine-in services.

Vizmonte added that these agencies will work with the health officers of local governments who will inspect the food business establishments.

“Magkakaroon sila ng random inspection, hindi naman para hulihin. Gusto po nating itama kasi ang hangad natin ngayong panahong ‘to ay hindi lamang pag-iingat kundi makapagbukas ulit ng mga hanapbuhay,” he said.

The IATF approved the resumption of dine-in services in GCQ areas starting on Monday, provided that only 30% of the restaurant's capacity will be allowed inside.

A 30% capacity means that if a restaurant or food establishment can accommodate 100 persons before the pandemic, they can now only allow 30 persons to dine-in, according to DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Vizmonte reminded that even family members staying at the same house should observe social distancing, saying that the public should see that protocols are being followed in the establishment.—AOL, GMA News