ILOILO City – In a bid to increase non-pharmaceutical interventions to control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the city government enforced new measures to improve adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces.
While the airborne transmission of COVID-19 requires further study, Mayor Jerry Treñas mandated all administrators, owners of air-conditioned workplaces or establishments and drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to improve ventilation and air quality in enclosed spaces.
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when an infected person coughs or exhales.
Under Treñas’ Executive Order No. 168, the following guidelines must be followed:
* Windows and doors must be opened to facilitate the natural air flow exchange.
* Air-conditioning units are to be turned off to reduce air recirculation.
* Installation of exhaust fans, installation of air filtration devices with “High-Efficiency Particulate Air” filters or the recalibration of building heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems should be implemented.
* Individuals should not be situated directly in the flow of air coming from fans and air-conditioning units as these may facilitate the transmission of the virus by directing air from infected individuals to others in the room.
* The same guidelines must also be implemented in comfort room areas of said building/establishments.
For air-conditioned PUVs, windows should be opened (at least three inches) while in transit whenever possible.
If not, PUVs must also utilize car vents that allow fresh outside air to flow in and avoid the use of recirculated air.
There should also be physical distancing (at least one meter) and wearing of face masks and face shields as well as maximum vehicle capacity.
Proper disinfection before and after each use of the vehicle is likewise mandatory.
On other hand, Treñas issued Executive Order No. 169 that made the installation of barriers in bars and restaurants mandatory.
The order provides the following guidelines:
* Bars, restaurants and food establishments are mandated to install partitions/barriers along dining tables, bar stations and cashier’s counters.
* Pass-throughs or openings should be as small as possible and should not be located in the breathing zone of either use.
* Partitions/barriers must be treated as contaminated surfaces and should be cleaned regularly.
* If microfiber or other reusable cloths are used to wash or dry the partition/barriers, these should be considered contaminated and should be laundered before reuse.
* Partitions/barriers must still be used in conjunction with other critical infection prevention and control measures including frequent handwashing, disinfection, among others.
Violators of the order will face appropriate administrative and criminal charges.
Moreover, the penalty of revocation of business permit may be imposed on violating business establishments pursuant 250 of the Local Revenue Code./PN
