BY GENALYN KABILING
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RESTAURANTS and fast food establishments may resume limited dine-in services in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) but with new health protocols, Malacanang announced Tuesday.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved a resolution allowing dine-in operations for food establishments located in MGCQ places at 50 percent capacity starting June 1, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
Among the guidelines issued by the Department of Trade and Industry for restaurants are no mask/no entry policy, thermal checks, social distancing, regular sanitation, and contactless ordering and payment.
“Pinayagan na po ang dine-in operations pero hindi po nangangahulugan na piyesta at inuman na. Sa ngayon, ang dine-in a para lang sa MGCQ. Kailangan pa rin sumunod sa health protocols,” Roque said in a televised press briefing.
Roque cautioned against the possible closure of restaurants that defy the government’s health standards in the resumption of operations.
“Puwede pa rin ipasara ang outlet kapag hindi sumusunod sa tinakda ng DTI (Department of Trade at DOT (Department of Tourism) na siyang maglalagay ng post-audit mechanism,” he said.
Under the DTI guidelines, Roque said customers must be escorted to assigned table with corresponding number.
The customer will then select orders from the menu placed on the table or from the order taker with one-meter social distancing. Both customers and services must sanitize hands after placing order and payment.
In the service stations, Roque said there will be no buffet and self-service areas for condiments and utensils.
There must be separate hand washing and sink/basin for kitchen staff and dine-in customers, designated area for take away and pick-up, and contactless drive-thru counters. Play areas in the restaurants must be closed.
When leaving the restaurant, Roque said there must be no physical contact during
payment. A small tray may be provided for accepting payment. He said food establishments may adopt alternative modes of payment if applicable.
Food establishments must also ensure regular sanitation of high contact areas and surfaces like door knobs and common tables.
