Safety seal update
A safety seal certificate entitles a business establishment of an additional ten percent (10%) of the usual permitted capacity, which is now pegged at thirty percent (30%).
This is part of the contents of Executive Order 145, 2021; issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong last October 31, due to the reclassification of the city to alert level 3.
Business establishments and institutions included in the EO are cafes, restaurants, eateries, food and beverage retail with dine-in and alfresco services, amusement arcades, fitness and personal care centers, salon, spa, recreational, museum and cultural centers, libraries and similar ventures.
Said indoor areas may accommodate 30% of its capacity, provided that patrons, customers, clients are fully vaccinated, and with the safety seal, may accommodate 40%. The outdoors of mentioned areas may accommodate 50% of its capacity, it was stated in the EO.
Gaming establishments, including Bingo outlets and those of the same category are required to secure a safety seal for continuing operation, for a maximum of 30% permitted capacity of fully vaccinated individuals only.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons age 17 and below may also be allowed in enclosed spaces or indoor settings in establishments with the safety seal, provided that all staff and personnel are fully vaccinated. Those 14 and below can also be allowed inside said establishments, only with fully vaccinated adult companion/s.
The safety seal is awarded to an establishment after a checklist has been complied with as to minimum public health standards and inspection by a safety seal team, composed of the Permits and Licensing Division (PLD), Health Services Office (HSO), Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Public Information Office and other concerned offices. An establishment’s compliance to the safety seal application or no-touch access for entrances is also considered in the safety seal issuance; as with the general sanitation, ingress and exit points, proper signages, air exchange flow, ventilation and even proper disposal of health protection materials such as facemasks, shields and/or protective gears and others.
The presence of a holding facility, workplace clinic, safety officers and immediate or emergency coordination procedures with the barangay, health authorities and police are also ascertained by the safety seal team.
Inquiries for inspections and procedures may be coursed through tel. no. 619-3184, Permits and Licensing Division, City Mayor’s Office. — Julie G. Fianza
