Business Group Suggests Measures to Fight COVID-19

The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) has given suggestions in fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the light of its rapid spread in Bacolod City.

“Our measures and cure should be evidence and data based as to where and how local/community transmissions are happening,” MBCCI chief executive officer Frank Carbon said.

“This way, our measures will be on target, sustainable and will have long-term and permanent effect,” he added.

He noted that in the absence of those data, MBBCI suggests some containment measures.

He said there should be strict implementation of health protocols in all public markets, ‘talipapas,’ sidewalk vending, bus and jeepney terminals.

“These are high density areas. These areas should be considered “high risk” areas and must be given utmost attention by our police and health officers,” he said.
According to Carbon, in high density barangays such as Villamonte, Banago and others, the barangays officials should actively participate in implementing health protocols and they should be held accountable to wide and rapid spread of the virus in their area.

In offices and stores, pantries and eating areas should be closed and employees required to bring their own utensils. They should eat in their working tables, he said.
Lunch and snack breaks should also be limited to one hour and employees dismissed by 4 p.m. to avoid crowding at transport terminals.

Carbon suggests the use of Home Quarantine Pass again that should be limited to only one per household but “universal” in use.
Also, working members of the family should have work IDs or certification from the barangay.

He said their suggestions are from their limited perspective that he hopes will be considered by public officials.* (JSC/Lljr/PIA6 Negros Occidental)