3 Mayors in Cebu Support Project Balik Buhay

The Mayors of Talisay City along with the towns of Minglanilla and Consolacion strongly support the measures under the Project Balik Buhay (PBB) amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which includes protocols on testing and suspension of business operations.

The said project aims to ensure the safety of all employees and customers in all business establishments.

“Uyon kaayo ko nga naay pagabuhaton nga random testing ang LGU sa mga establisimento. This would also remind everybody that health protocols have to be followed,” said Consolacion Mayor Joannes “Joyjoy” Alegado during the episode of “Mugstoria Ta”.

Meanwhile, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas and Minglanilla town Mayor Elanito “Lani” Pena said that health and safety protocols are not enough or not executed properly if an employee of a certain establishment tests positive of COVID-19.

Another proposed PBB guideline is the complete suspension of any business operation if one of their employee tests positive of the said disease.

“This will give discipline to our businessmen and again remind them of their responsibility to their employees so that other workers will not be infected,” Mayor Alegado said.

Mayor Gullas emphasized the importance of having protocols for testing, contact tracing and isolation not only in the community but also for businesses. “I want clear protocols on what we have to do,” he added.

Mayor Peña said he welcome this proposal because this would prevent the spread of infection not only among employees but also among their clients.

He added that he would be willing to adopt these two guidelines in his executive order.

Thus, after 24 hours of decontamination of the workplace, work can resume.

Companies must also provide a proof of compliance with the required workplace health standards and has established proper testing and tracing Protocols.

However, workers who have had direct contact with a positive worker are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine based on the company’s testing and tracing Protocols.

If the company found to be negligent in implementing Workplace Health Standards and proper Testing and Tracing Protocols, decontamination has to be conducted immediately on the building, office, store or workplace. (MLC)