The Taguig City government has urged people to strictly observe health and safety protocols in welcoming the New Year due to a possible surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant.
“Minimum health protocols must be strictly observed,” said the Taguig Safe City Task Force in its Bulletin No. 18 issued on Dec. 29.
The task force said “while more businesses and activities are being allowed to open and be undertaken, everyone who lives, works and does business in Taguig must strictly observe health and safety protocols at all times.”
“All activities during the Holiday Season such as parties and gatherings, religious gatherings or celebrations and, firework displays must follow the guidelines and protocols in accordance with Safe City Advisory No. 60,” it said.
Taguig recorded 19 new COVID-19 cases on Dec. 29 based on the city government’s case updates issued on Dec. 30.
The city’s active COVID-19 cases totaled 18 on Dec. 29 out of 52,528 confirmed cases, 52,069 recoveries and 441 deaths. The total increased from 10 active cases tallied on Dec. 28.
The city task force said inspectors will be deployed to check if establishments are following guidelines and those that failed to implement them will be closed.
“In order to ensure strict compliance with health and safety protocols in all events and celebrations for the New Year, inspectors shall be deployed to various establishments and key areas. Any establishment found to have failed in implementing minimum public health standards within their premises shall be closed immediately,” it warned.
It added that “failure to implement dine-in protocols is an offense under the new normal ordinance.”
The task force said the following should be implemented:
- Face masks may only be removed while drinking or eating at their designated seat or table;
- Social distancing of not less than one meter must be strictly observed
- Physical contact must be reduced
According to the guidelines, only fully vaccinated adults and minors, regardless of vaccination status, must be allowed in indoor areas. Fully vaccinated adults who want to enter business premises must present a valid proof of vaccination such as Taguig Vaccination Card or Digital Vaccine Health Pass for those who got vaccinated in Taguig; or Vaccination Certificate for those inoculated outside the city, and a valid government-issued ID with picture and address.
It added that “violations of minimum health standards and protocols must be reported to the Taguig Safe City Task Force.”
“All city and barangay law enforcement offices and agencies, as well as the Designated Safety Officers of private companies and organizations, are enjoined to strictly enforce the health and safety protocols mentioned in this Bulletin within their areas of jurisdiction at all times,” the task force said.